In his first visit to Zunheboto district, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor for School Education and SCERT, emphasized the significance of appreciating teachers for their unwavering dedication and sacrifices. The Advisor acknowledged the challenges faced by teachers, particularly those serving in remote areas with accommodation problems. He called upon various stakeholders to extend their cooperation, respect, and support to teachers in their vital role of shaping young minds.

During his visit, Dr Yhome’s primary objective was to gauge the sentiments and expectations of the local community concerning the School Education Department. He highlighted the need to avoid politicizing education and requested collaboration with the Director instead of pressurizing MLAs for transfer postings.

In response to concerns raised about teacher transfers and schools lacking adequate staff, he assured that the department is working on restructuring teachers’ deployment. The government is committed to implementing the required number of teachers at all levels of education, ensuring Government Primary Schools (GPS), Government Middle Schools (GMS), Government High Schools (GHS), and Government Higher Secondary Schools (GHSS) are appropriately staffed. The Advisor urged patience from all stakeholders as these reforms take effect.

He emphasized that government schools boast qualified and experienced teachers, making them an excellent choice for parents seeking quality education for their children. He highlighted those enrolling children in government schools not only saves costs but also guarantees a high standard of education.

During his visit, Dr Yhome entrusted student leaders with the responsibility of assessing the number of children aged between 3 to 8 years receiving free and compulsory education in their respective villages, blocks, or colonies. The Advisor firmly believes that every child deserves compulsory education and should be in school rather than engaging in labor or other activities.

During his two-day visit, he interacted with villagers in areas where government schools faced teacher shortages, encouraging and garnering support for education reform. He also inspected the Teachers Attendance Monitoring System (TAMS) verification team at Circuit House Zunheboto and visited various schools in Aghunato.

In a meeting chaired by Zunheboto Deputy Commissioner Rahul Bhanudas Malli, specific requests were made for more infrastructure, including Physics and Chemistry Labs, at GHSS, and the consideration of opening a Science degree program (B.Sc) at Zunheboto College. Concerns were also raised about the shortage of Science and Maths teachers in the district.

Director School Education Wonthungo Tsope praised the Zunheboto Range Students’ Union (ZRSU) for sponsoring 20 science students at GHSS and urged them to continue their support in the future. Dr Yhome’s visit aimed to seek the community’s help in prioritizing government schools with qualified and experienced teachers.

During the meeting, Zunheboto NDPP President Khehoshe Yeptho requested the prompt recruitment of Hindi teachers to address the shortage in many schools. Participants also stressed the importance of making sports activities an essential part of the school curriculum and maintaining proper school infrastructures for a safe and conducive learning environment.

Dr  Yhome’s visit concluded with a trip to the Government Higher Secondary School in Satakha, leaving behind a positive impact on the community’s approach to education and its commitment to fostering a brighter future for the younger generation.

Read more: There should be less political interference in education sector: Advisor Dr Kekhrie Yhome