The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM) inaugurated its Free Coaching Program today at the AKM Conference Hall.

Jonglemdong, Senior Sub-Divisional Education Officer of Mokokchung, expressed his appreciation for AKM’s long-standing commitment to this initiative, which has been providing valuable services to students over the years. He encouraged a renewed enthusiasm for this initiative and commended the students for seizing this opportunity, especially for those who faced challenges in their initial attempts at the matric exams. He emphasized the importance of teachers delivering their services effectively, drawing from their own experiences as students.

He highlighted that the purpose of education is not just to ensure students pass exams but also to foster true learning. The primary objective of this coaching program is to prepare students to excel in upcoming examinations. The coaching classes will focus on the specific content relevant to the forthcoming exams, akin to coaching for civil services, with the same success-oriented objectives: to achieve success in the matric examination next year. The program will prioritize focused learning over social activities, emphasizing the crucial role of teachers in imparting knowledge.

Jonglemdong stressed that effective studying isn’t merely about the number of hours spent but about genuine learning. He emphasized the importance of time management and consistency in one’s routine, as they are key factors in achieving success. He urged students to maintain their interest in the course and to continuously assess and work towards their goals. Additionally, he reminded students to prioritize their health, maintain healthy lifestyles and relationships, particularly with their parents or guardians, as these factors contribute to sincerity and dedication in one’s endeavours.

Jonglemdong, Senior Sub-Divisional Education Officer of Mokokchung

Satemmongba, General Secretary of AKM, welcomed the attendees and emphasized that AKM has been providing this Free Coaching Program since 1997, primarily for Class 10 dropouts aiming to pass the Matric exam, a critical step toward higher education. He proudly noted the numerous successful students who have benefited from this program over the years and encouraged current students to take full advantage of the coaching classes. He urged them to seek clarification from teachers and Ao Students’ Conference officials when needed and expressed his belief that, with dedication and support, their journey would be successful.

Read more: AKM announces launch of highly anticipated Free Coaching Class program for students

Lanulemba, AKM Education Secretary, presented the program’s guidelines and clarified that the Free Coaching Program is open to students from all communities, not limited to the Ao community. He mentioned that the program was initially scheduled for August 6 but was postponed due to the NSF conference and other activities. Lanulemba explained that the coaching would span four months leading up to the final exams. He also shared that last year, 46 students enrolled, but only 36 attended, and 20 successfully passed the exams, with those not adhering to the rules and regulations being terminated. He expressed hope that the 13 students who have signed up for coaching this year would understand and follow AKM’s guidelines, ensuring a productive teaching and learning process. Lanulemba appreciated the teachers who would be facilitating the classes: Jaya Singh (Maths), Limasenla (Social Sciences), Kivikali (English), and Imjungwati (Maths).

He stressed that strict attendance and adherence to AKM’s rules and regulations would be maintained, including a ban on tobacco use. A well-structured timetable would be followed, with an orientation today and classes commencing tomorrow, September 12th, from 12:45 PM to 3:45 PM.

In an exclusive interview with the Nagaland Tribune, two students shared their motivations for joining the AKM Free Coaching Programme.

Tajenlemla Kichu, a dropout from the 2023 matriculation examination at Mayangnokcha Government Higher Secondary School in Chungtia Village, shared her motivation for joining the free coaching initiative by AKM with Nagaland Tribune Media. She mentioned that her parents and friends encouraged her to enroll in the coaching program. Tajenlemla expressed her joy at preparing for her exams and identified her weaknesses in subjects like mathematics, science, and social sciences. She confirmed that she had taken tuition during her 10th standard. When asked how this coaching would benefit her, she expressed hopes for better quality education to help her achieve her goals and a commitment to hard work. If she passes the matric exams, she intends to pursue Arts for her higher studies. She has faith in the facilitators and is determined to learn effectively.

Salomi Konyak (L) and Tajenlemla Kichu (R)

Salomi Konyak, a student at Government High School Sumi in Majakong ward, Longching Village, Mon district, who has been residing in Mokokchung district for 10 years, admitted her weaknesses in Science, mathematics, and Social Studies. When asked about her motivation for joining the coaching classes, she mentioned that she saw the advertisement in newspapers, and her family and guardians supported her decision. Salomi plans to dedicate one hour each day for studying and exam preparation alongside her coaching and daily activities. If she successfully passes in her second attempt at the matric exams next year, she intends to pursue the Arts stream.

Lanuwapang from Changki Village and his wife from Sungratsü Village, who serve as the guardians for Salomi Konyak, shared their thoughts on sending her to coaching for the first time, considering her as part of their family. Lanuwapang mentioned that he had heard many success stories about AKM’s free coaching initiatives and hopes that it will be beneficial for their child. He appreciated AKM’s efforts and urged them to guide larger numbers of students, as students are seen as the future generations of the world. Recognizing that students spend most of their time away from home in schools and institutions, he further encouraged Ao Students’ Conference to continue their efforts for the welfare of the student community, as they have always done.

A special prayer for the students was conducted by Wapang, Associate Pastor of Youth Artang Baptist Church, and the program was chaired by Kumzükienla, Women Coordinator of AKM.