MOKOKCHUNG — The Ao Students' Conference (AKM) operates 12 Arju centres across the six ranges of Mokokchung district, with the goal of combining traditional knowledge with remedial tutorials for the regular school syllabus.
The AKM team has been touring all the centres with the aim of sensitising village councils and stakeholders in rural areas about the Arju centres’ vision for 2024-25.
During their visit to Mongsenyimti Arju Centre on Thursday, AKM general secretary Satemmongba highlighted that the centres have been established under the aegis of Samagra Siksha Nagaland as a comprehensive programme for school education. The targeted groups are students of government schools from pre-primary to Class 10.
He mentioned that the centres enrich students with traditional knowledge, arts and crafts, soft skills, social etiquette, and life skills while also enhancing their academic education, particularly in learning mathematics and science.
It was mentioned that currently, Arju centres have been established in 12 villages as an innovative education initiative under the Ministry of Education. According to AKM officials, since their inception, there has been noticeable improvement in the academic and personal development of the students.
“The centres have been instrumental in immensely benefiting the young students of various government schools in villages within Mokokchung district,” said Satemmongba.
On the occasion, AKM officials also highlighted the vision of the Arju centres’ for 2024-25 which includes promoting and preserving mother tongue/Ao literature, describing it as an integral part of a person’s identity and cultural heritage, emphasising financial literacy, essential for empowering individuals, reducing financial vulnerabilities, fostering economic growth, and bridging the gap of social inequality.
Further, it includes skill development, which, according to AKM officials, has become a valuable asset in real-world scenarios and has a positive impact on academic success, workplace performance, and navigating everyday life.
Also, it encompasses homeland tours designed to visit heritage villages, allowing students to learn about and experience the rich cultural heritage of the Ao Naga. These tours expose students to cultural aspects, the migration history of the Aos, and farming techniques taught by experts.
It was announced that plantation drives will be conducted with a vision for 2029, marking the centenary celebration of AKM. Each student will plant, adopt, nurture, and help grow trees as part of this initiative.
AKM leaders also informed about plans to establish 12 more Arju centres in the villages. These centres operate with a 50/50 fund split between the community and the government.
The Mongsenyimti Village Council assured AKM that they are ready to assist the centre in any way they can, both financially and otherwise.