NLA Speaker Sharingain Longkumer with author Dr Ajungla Lipok and designer-illustrator Bendangonen Atsongchanger at the launch of the Active Learner Series of Books at Whispering Winds in Mokokchung on April 30. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | May 1
The Active Learner Series of Books authored by Dr Ajungla Lipok was formally launched at Whispering Winds, Mokokchung on April 30, with Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer releasing the series.
The series comprises 11 books designed for early childhood education and aims to promote experiential and child-centric learning. Structured into three progressive levels covering three years of foundational learning, the books focus on literacy, numeracy and environmental awareness. The design and illustrations were done by Bendangonen Atsongchanger.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Lipok described the series as a product of “experience, reflection, and a genuine commitment to strengthening early childhood education.” She said that while educational materials are widely available, many rely heavily on repetition and rote learning, with limited emphasis on engagement and understanding.
She said the series was developed to be systematic and child-centric, offering experiential learning opportunities that encourage children to explore, participate and think independently. “Children learn best when they are actively engaged,” she said, adding that the books aim to nurture curiosity, confidence and a joy for learning.
Highlighting the role of visuals, she noted that illustrations play a key role in sustaining engagement and aiding comprehension.
Speaking at the event, Longkumer termed the launch a “historic and significant” step and stressed that foundational education must be treated as a “serious social business” where moral responsibility outweighs profit motives.
He underscored the importance of cultivating reading habits among children and expressed concern over increasing dependence on mobile phones. Cautioning against excessive exposure to digital devices, he urged parents and educators to preserve the innocence of childhood and promote reading as a means of fostering imagination and learning.
He also suggested that parents take a conscious pledge to limit children’s exposure to mobile phones during their formative years and called for the use of environmentally safe materials, including non-toxic inks, in the production of children’s books.
Describing the initiative as a milestone, Longkumer lauded the author and her team and called for community support to promote the series.
The Active Learner Series seeks to contribute to early childhood education by offering a structured yet engaging approach to foundational learning, aimed at helping young learners discover the joy of education.
