Educationists urged to impart values before academics

Hebron Hr. Sec marks service years in glorious silver [caption id="attachment_144372" align="alignleft" width="550"] Neiphiu Rio (fourth from left) and his wife Kaisa Rio, at his right-front, with promoters and members of HHSS’ governing body releasing a souvenir during the school’s 25th anniversary on Oct. 14 at Sovima village in Dimapur.[/caption] Staff reporter Dimapur, Oct.14 (EMN): Member of Parliament of Lok Sabha Neiphiu Rio on Saturday challenged educational institutions to emphasise on value education such as teaching manners, good habits and etiquette to children from an early stage. He said that the family being the first educational institution, there is the imperative to teach children what is right, wrong, and what discipline is. The Hebron Higher Secondary School (HHSS) at Sovima in Dimapur celebrated its 25th anniversary, paying tribute to its heritage of service in education the way its motto ‘ever higher’ aspires for. The silver jubilee was celebrated with much fanfare that included dance performances and music from students on Sat. Oct. 14. The chief guest of the programme Neiphiu Rio addressed the event. The former chief minister of Nagaland recalled a time when the village of Sovima was uninhabited during the time the institution first started in 1992. He said to have realized the distance the school had covered which followed growth over the years. ‘The nursery and primary stage is very important. You have to teach manners, good habits, discipline so that it becomes a way of life. There is a saying that goes ‘Manners before education’ which in Japan, New Zealand, Scandinavian and few other advanced countries follow,’ he said. “The first institution is family, where we teach our children what is right, what is wrong and how to be disciplined. This has to be supported by the school because when you teach the children correctly, then they will develop the tendency of even telling their parents what is right or wrong”. Listing out virtues such as etiquette, good habits, respect, care and love for others, and how to work as a team etc., Rio said that it was the stated traits that build a child’s character which they will carry throughout their lives. “It’s very important that in the primaries we have to teach our children very systematically that they obey the laws and to be disciplined not only in class or among friends, but also respect others especially seniors besides caring for fellow human beings and nature,” he averred. In the Naga society, Rio said further, it is very natural for a “man to take all credit.” But, he said it is no secret that it was in fact not the men, but the wives of the promoters who gave their time and commitment to manage and impart good education. In this, the Loka Sabha member appreciated all who had contributed, to the growth of the school, including the principals, teaching staff and management. On a lighter note, Rio recalled thinking of rumours about how there was no class- X graduates in Sovima until it was advanced to higher secondary. 14 students then, he said, appeared for their boards successfully. Rio expressed pride to see the children reaching high levels in their studies, just as their motto aspired to reach. He recalled, too, about how the school during 1998 was running on a deficit which caused a decline in enrolment of teachers because many other institutes were coming up around the area. If promoters cannot give more commitment, he advised, they should not spoil the future of the children either. Now having seen the success of the 14 students, Rio urged the promoters to encourage the students further. Taking the example of schools abroad, he reminded how different the system of school education here is. He talked about how one must impart education in “manners before education” during the primary and nursery levels so that it becomes a way of life for the child. A press release from the MP’s office added: Referring to the education systems of Japan, Finland, Scandinavian and other European countries, and New Zealand, the chief guest urged the school’s authorities to “pick up what is suitable for us” while further asserting that although we cannot change the system in the state or the country entirely, “We can make a difference and our children will become special in some ways particularly the qualities that one has to possess to be a good, responsible citizen.” In other matters, Rio urged the area’s council and locals to warmly welcome people to join the village. “It is up to the locals to support this school and to welcome people,” the MP said. He has challenged the staff and students of the institution to recommit to their work during the jubilee, do better and to aspire for a family-like teacher-student relationship. Short speeches were delivered also by a member of the governing body; parents and alumni. The chairman of Sovima Village Council Neikhriehu Kense also congratulated the proprietors of the school on its completing 25 years and for imparting education and service.