
Kohima, December 10 (MExN): In a significant development, the state government has introduced the concept of work education in the government middle schools as a pilot project under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and the same has been included as the new curriculum.
As part of the introduction of the project, an exhibition-sale on work education by government middle schools under the District Mission Authority (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan) Kohima was held here this morning at the local ground. Additional Chief Secretary Banuo Z. Jamir, IAS, was the chief guest while Mission Director of the SSA Angau I. Thou attended as the guest of honor.
The students exhibited carpentry items, shawls, knitting items, flowers and greeting cards among others. Addressing the event, the Additional Chief Secretary said work education is a pilot project under the SSA which has been introduced as part of the new curriculum. Under this programme Rs. 25,000 is being given to every government middle school. Jamir expressed happiness that Kohima district has taken up the project with diligence. Compared to the SUPW, Banuo Z. Jamir said life skills have become more focused and the products exhibited are just the beginning. In future, she hoped, students would learn the fundamentals of gardening, basics of plant-rearing, fisheries, horticulture and so on.
The official also encouraged active participation of senior citizens in making the students learn about cultural activities like folk songs and dances. She said elders are the repositories of culture and children would learn a lot from them. Education should not only be confined to book knowledge, Banuo Z. Jamir said. She encouraged the students to be involved in practical activities so that they do not have to fall back only on government jobs for employment. Chairing the function, District Education Officer, Kohima, V Meyase said the exhibition-sale on work education is the first of its kind in the state and hoped that the impact of the programme would bring better results.
Folk songs were performed during the event by students of Zhadima, Tseminyu town and Kiruphema government middle schools. In the group category Government Middle School of New Market, Kohima was adjudged first while the second place went to GMS of Khonoma. The GMS of Tseminyu town was declared third. They carried a prize of Rs.7000, Rs.5000 and Rs. 3000 respectively.
In the individual’s category Visedelie of GMS New Market won the first place while the second prize went to Rajuwetuo of GMS Mezoma. Neilhounuo of Rusoma was declared third-placed winner. They were awarded Rs. 3000, Rs. 2000 and Rs. 1000 respectively.