‘Present education does not shape student’s value system’

[caption id="attachment_280981" align="alignnone" width="565"] Zale Neikha releases a souvenir of the centenary celebrations on Saturday at Phesama village in Kohima district.[/caption] Our Correspondent Kohima, Nov.2 (EMN): Educational institutions should start focusing on the development of values of students, rather than concentrating only on knowledge. School curriculum does not even emphasise on social etiquette, or teach students to be useful citizens for the community, educators speaking at an event in Kohima opined. Even more, the generation is not being allowed to think critically, people gathered for the centenary celebrations of government middle school at Phesama village in Kohima district were told. The government middle school of Phesama village in Kohima district has attained 100 years. The school celebrated the centenary with a programme in its compound on Saturday, during which people were urged to strive for excellence. The principal of St. Paul School at Phesama, Rev. Fr.  Arul Susai was  one of those who addressed the event. He said in his message that educational institutions should focus on ‘human formation for life’ rather than on acquiring knowledge only. Susai pointed out that education does not teach how to ‘integrate emotions’ and school curriculum does not emphasise on social etiquette, or in the  ways one can be a useful citizen of the community and the country. “We are not allowing our generation to think critically and to make changes for better life development. To think correctly, reflect, ask questions and to have scientific mind it is to have more of self discipline and to move towards the goal,” he said. “We are moving from hard and tough life to easy and money-making generation without any values and moral principles.” The principal also emphasised on the need to be global citizens who will work for solidarity, cooperation and reconciliation that will fully respect human life and dignity. Addressing the gathering was also  the advisor for Youth Resources and Sports Zale Neikha. He recalled how the elders had given wise counsel for the generation of today in their quest for education. He said Christianity brought in education. He attributed the work of teachers and all those who served and rendered their services to the school in various capacities. The legislator referred to records that one late Kruzolie from Jotsoma village was the first teacher to be deputed there, in 1919, by the government. Neikha acknowledged the sacrifice of the first teacher for the people, particularly Phesama. Also, Neikha attributed visionary Naga leaders from the village in the nationalist movement. He maintained that the ‘solution is at final stage with the recent breakthrough.’ He asserted that the efforts of those leaders are worth it. Likewise, he acknowledged the prime minister of India Narendra Modi and his Cabinet, the interlocutor for the peace talks RN Ravi, and the Naga ‘political groups’ for the ‘major breakthrough for inclusion of all groups on board for negotiations.’ Also, the advisor thanked the tribal and students’ organisations, church leaders and various organisations and individuals’ contribution in making the dialogue reach the present stage. Expressing happiness of the latest development on the political front, he said that the desire of the Indian government was ‘through negotiations and not violence.’ In other matters, the advisor called Phesama a blessed village among the southern Angami villages, for its rich natural resources and the area’s connectivity to the capital town which makes business convenient.  Given the conditions, it has become easier for the village to work on unemployment issues, he said. He advised the villagers to make best use of the opportunities that the village brings. To the students, Neikha maintained that competition is high considering the huge number of educated youths. “Are you studying just because others are studying?” he asked the students, and urged them to make the best use of their talents. Likewise, the advisor urged the parents and teachers to nurture the best of what the students have . During the introductory event, the convenor of the organising committee Seyievilie Peter Zashűmo gave a brief highlight of the school’s history. He said that the school was established in the year 1919 with the government appointed teacher Kruzolie Nakhro of Jotsoma village managing it single handed. The school was upgraded to a government middle school in the year 2011. He said the school gives focus to co-curricular activities besides academic education. A monolith commemorating the centenary celebrations and a souvenir to mark the event was unveiled earlier in the programme. Phesamiapfű Mechű Krotho, Phesama college students and staff and students also took part in the celebrations.