NBSE and Lend A Hand India conduct skill education orientation for 82 private schools in Nagaland
Orientation programme for 82 school representatives highlights the importance of hands-on learning and practical skills under NEP 2020
DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), in collaboration with Lend A Hand India (LAHI), conducted a two-day orientation programme on skill education for heads of NBSE-registered private schools on November 2 and the 3rd in Kohima and Dimapur respectively.
According to an update, the programme witnessed participation from representatives of 82 private schools, including 34 from Kohima and 48 from Dimapur, marking a step towards strengthening the adoption of skill education across the state's private-school sector.
The orientation aimed to familiarise school heads with the vision and framework of skill education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) 2023, while exploring practical approaches to introducing and implementing skill-based learning in schools.
Delivering the keynote address, NBSE Chairperson Rangumbuing Nsarangbe highlighted the growing challenge of educated unemployment, observing that many young people remain unemployed either due to limited job opportunities or a lack of practical skills and competencies required to access available opportunities.
He emphasised that academic learning and skill education must go hand in hand, calling for a shift in mindset to recognise vocational education not as a secondary or supplementary subject but as an integral part of every student's learning journey.
Illustrating the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, Nsarangbe cited instances where technically qualified professionals, including electrical and automotive engineers, may struggle with certain basic practical tasks despite their academic qualifications.
He stressed that education must go beyond conceptual understanding and equip learners with the ability to apply knowledge, troubleshoot, create and solve real-world problems.
Referring to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, he underscored the importance of equipping young people with relevant skills and competencies to realise Viksit Nagaland 2047 and adapt to the evolving world of work.
He also highlighted the progress of vocational education in the state, which has extended to more than 180 government schools and approximately 160 private schools.
Noting that private schools account for nearly 70% of student enrolment in Nagaland, he urged school leaders to take a proactive role in advancing skill education.
He added that while NBSE has a vision for the progressive development of school education, its successful implementation would require the active participation and support of private schools.
In his context-setting address, Richard Asoso, Programme Lead, Lend A Hand India, outlined the evolving landscape of school education and stressed the need to move beyond conventional academic instruction by providing students with meaningful opportunities for experiential and hands-on learning.
The technical sessions were facilitated by Nehali Ayare, Training Lead, and Avanti Harne of Lend A Hand India. Participants were introduced to the objectives, pedagogical approaches and progression of skill education across Classes 6 to 10 under NEP 2020 and NCF-SE 2023.
The sessions covered the Kaushal Bodh framework for Classes 6 to 8 and Kaushal Vikas for Classes 9 and 10, with discussions on progressively integrating experiential, project-based and hands-on learning into existing academic structures.
The orientation also featured practical activities, including a maker-skills exercise involving the construction of a simple catapult, a tie-and-dye activity and a healthcare-related practical task.
The exercises demonstrated how learning through making, creating and doing can help students develop problem-solving abilities, creativity, collaboration and practical competencies.
Discussions also focused on the requirements for implementing skill education at the school level and the role of school heads in creating an enabling environment for its integration into institutional learning practices.
Through the programme, NBSE and LAHI sought to build awareness among private-school leaders and encourage them to explore concrete pathways for integrating skill education into their institutions.
The initiative is expected to help expand NEP-aligned skill education beyond government schools and promote a more inclusive, experiential and future-ready education system in Nagaland.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dziesevolie Tsurho, Academic Officer, NBSE, who acknowledged the participation of school leaders and the collaborative efforts of NBSE and Lend A Hand India in organising the programme.