Sukhalu appeals for united effort to contain long term effect of pandemic on education
Kohima, June 2 (MExN): With COVID-19 crisis forcing closure of schools in the State, causing a heavy disruption in the learning process, Advisor of the Department of School Education (DoSE) Nagaland, KT Sukhalu on Wednesday urged everyone to continue to work together to contain the long term effect of the pandemic on the education system.
In his letter addressed to the parents, teachers and students, Sukhalu acknowledged that two years of the pandemic have been especially disruptive to routine and conventional methods of learning.
We have had to shift online and to new teaching methods with no preparation and little infrastructure because our existing systems were oriented toward in-person classroom teaching, he stated.
The Advisor also took note of the struggles faced by many with respect to the transition, and admitted that it has been an unequal one in terms of network connectivity and access to the new tools of education.
In this regard, he assured that both the government and the department are committed to ensuring an equitable education system. He extended gratitude to the IT&C Department for its efforts in augmenting data connectivity and access in the State.
For the teachers and students facing the brunt of the pandemic-induced change, the Advisor urged them to not to be disheartened, but instead, ‘rise to the challenge’.
“Given the circumstances of this unexpected transition, I must commend the teachers, students and their parents for adapting as well as they have. However, there is much more that can be done,” he added.
‘Ensure that no one is left out’
Sukhalu further stated that while the department has prepared lessons for all students, not all have access to smart phones or computers. In this regard, directions have been given to teachers to stay in station to download these lessons and distribute to the students to ensure that no one is left out. Provisions have been made to enable the teachers and schools to provide these to the students, all teachers should stay in station and do their best to ensure that students' education is not compromised, he added.
While appreciating teachers who are in station and doing their duty diligently, those facing difficulty in accessing the lessons or in disseminating it to students were asked to inform the Department so that the issues can be addressed without delay.
Meanwhile, the Advisor also assured students that the department is doing its best in the current conditions to ensure that their education can continue ‘with a degree of normalcy and uniformity’.
“These months or years of self application in your education may perhaps equip you with tools that will help you in your future,” he exhorted.
He also reminded the parents of their responsibility in ensuring education of their wards and children during the pandemic and urged them to continue to put in the extra effort till classroom lessons can be resumed.
“We must all continue to work together to contain the long term effect of the pandemic on our education systems,” Sukhalu stated.
The Advisor extended appreciation to frontline workers for their tireless work and dedication to the collective safety and also offered sympathies to those who have lost friends and family during the pandemic. He expressed hope that those who have tested positive or are tending to COVID-19 positive persons will be granted strength to overcome it.
He also acknowledged the assistance of groups and individuals towards containing the pandemic, adding that the outpouring of generosity has affirmed his faith in the sense of community.
Sukhalu reminded that the lockdown is being enforced for everyone’s safety and urged citizens to stay home and obey government guidelines.
