Seminar on quality education in Chakhesang areas held at Pfutsero

DIMAPUR — The Chakhesang Scholars' Forum (CSF), in collaboration with the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), organised a daylong seminar on ‘Quality education in Chakhesang areas: focus on elementary level’ on September 27, at the Pioneers Complex conference hall, Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC) Mission Centre in Pfutsero.

Dr. Povotso Lohe, advocate at Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench and former lecturer of Pol. Science at Kohima College, and Rev. Dr. Phuveyi Dozo, president of United College of Theology and Mission and former general secretary, NBCC, were the resource persons for the session.

In a press release, the CSF stated that the seminar is the third and last phase with previous two seminars on the same topic held at Phek and Kohima last year.

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CSF chairman Dr. Zavise Rume said that the primary objective of the seminar is to gather opinions and suggestions of Chakhesang scholars, intellectual, thinkers and teachers to gain deeper understanding on how to improve the quality of the present school education with special reference to primary level in the region.

CPO treasurer Wepekha Wetsah highlighted on the unemployment problem in the community and urged for thorough deliberations on addressing the issue.

When in elementary, a child should focus on what course they want to pursue in life and accordingly they must take up professional course later on, he suggested.

Wetsah also highlighted the need to preserve one's identity and promote speaking own dialect at home.

Dr. Povotso Lohe pointed out the need for a multifaceted approach for improving quality education at the primary levels.

“At its core, quality education ensures an environment that promotes inclusivity, equity and a thirst for knowledge. Components of quality education encompass not only the curriculum but also the quality of teaching, infrastructure, learning resources and the overall learning environment,” Lohe said.

Quality education, he emphasised, gives every child the opportunity to thrive. It is inclusive and ensures that every child has the resources, attention and focus they need to effectively learn. It gives students the space to dream about their future and the tools to make them come true as a result.

In his presentation, Rev. Dr. Phuveyi Dozo, recommended seven models for quality education. He emphasised on the total commitment of teachers, strong teacher-parent partnership, work-oriented education, supervised practical work, and modernised teaching system.

Sheveto Vese, mentor at Christian Mission Higher Secondary School Phek; Joseph Lohe, PhD research scholar, Department of History and Archaeology, NU; and Akole Sami, retired senior SDEO, Phek, presented overviews of education system in Phek, Chozuba and Pfutsero, respectively.

Dr. Tsutshowe-ü Sekhamo, CSF secretary of Academic and Journal Publications, and CSF general secretary Dr. Gideon Phesao, presented statistics on school education in Chakhesang areas. They acknowledged the contribution of SDEO Phek, SDEO Pfutsero, SDEO Chozuba, NBSE and RD department for providing the needed data.

Joint Secretary of CSF Rukuzo Ruho moderated one of the technical sessions. Assistant professor of History, Pfutsero Government College, Wepekhro Wetsah, chaired the introductory session and CBCC executive secretary Chekrovei Cho-o pronounced invocation.

Participants comprising of educators, leaders, scholars, and students attended the seminar and actively participated in the discussion hours.