The 101st ASSPIRE Teachers Training Workshop on “Advancing Skills for Professional and Peaceful Instruction with Reflective Education” commenced at the Peace Centre, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima. The three-day programme is being organised by Peace Channel in collaboration with ASHA Foundation, Catholic Educational Diocese of Kohima (CEDOK), and the North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR).
The workshop has brought together 140 participants from 42 schools, aiming to strengthen professional competencies and promote reflective and peaceful education practices. It focuses on enhancing communication, classroom management, self-awareness and student engagement, while fostering inclusive and value-based learning environments.
Delivering the welcome address, Rev. Dr CP Anto, Founder-Principal of NEISSR and Founder-Director of Peace Channel, emphasised that education is not merely the transmission of knowledge but the transformation of lives. He highlighted the role of teachers as facilitators who nurture the potential within each child and contribute to building a peaceful society.
Referring to Charles Duhigg’s concept of “keystone habits,” he said that the daily habits of teachers shape classroom culture and encouraged educators to shift from reaction to reflection to build trust and a positive learning environment. He also urged teachers to rediscover their purpose through the idea of Ikigai, where passion, skill and societal needs converge.
Chief Guest John Lotha, District Education Officer of Chümoukedima, stressed the importance of peacebuilding, leadership and adaptability in today’s education system. He described teachers as the backbone of society and called for continuous learning and self-awareness.
The programme also acknowledged the presence of Dr Glory Alexander, Founder and Director of ASHA Foundation, and Rev Fr Mathew Thuniambral. Sessions are being facilitated by resource persons including Hazel Leena George, Bethesa Jacob, Prof Biju Sebastian, Maya Singh and Jose V Abraham. The workshop also marks the 77th training programme conducted by ASHA Foundation.
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The first day featured interactive sessions on self-awareness, communication skills, adolescence, classroom management and inclusive education, with emphasis on empathy, active listening and understanding diverse learning needs.
Highlighting future plans, Rev. Dr Anto announced an initiative to deploy trained educators to schools for 30 to 45 days to support teachers and strengthen school systems through life skills, peace education and career guidance. He added that NEISSR continues to contribute to professional education in social work and journalism while promoting innovative peacebuilding models.
Peace Channel, NEISSR and ASHA Foundation are also planning to extend similar programmes to other districts, expanding the reach of reflective and peace-oriented education initiatives.
The workshop will continue over the next two days, focusing on equipping teachers to become reflective practitioners and promoters of peace in education.
