The newly constructed Government Primary School building at Kewhitsütuo Model was inaugurated on Friday.
Addressing the inaugural programme, Advisor for School Education, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome noted that the school building, constructed by the local community which reflected the commitment of the people towards strengthening public education.
“We have only come here to witness what you have all accomplished,” he said, praising the initiative undertaken by the community without waiting for government intervention.
The Advisor highlighted the significance of Kewhitsütuo as an area earmarked for the future expansion of Kohima Village, particularly under Tsütuonuomia Khel. He observed that Kohima Village has played a vital role in the city’s growth by making land available for public development, enabling infrastructure projects without major disputes.
At the same time, Dr Yhome cautioned that rapid urbanisation has placed increasing pressure on village land resources. He commended the foresight of the Tsütuonuomia elders for reserving land for educational purposes, describing it as an investment for generations to come.
The Advisor remarked that while places of worship nurture faith, schools serve as “temples of education” capable of liberating society through learning.
The Advisor expressed satisfaction over the steady growth of the Government Primary School, which currently has 67 students—32 boys and 35 girls—and is managed by eight teachers led by the head teacher. He also appreciated the School Management Committee for guiding the institution’s progress.
Drawing a comparison with the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) model followed by industries, Dr. Yhome proposed that Nagaland’s tribal communities embody a similar spirit through what he termed “Community Support Resources.”
Praising the generosity of Tsütuonuomia Khel, he remarked that the community’s support demonstrated how local institutions could actively contribute to public welfare and educational development. He also informed that the School Education Department has begun documenting such community-led initiatives to encourage similar efforts elsewhere in the state.
Looking ahead, Dr Yhome suggested that with proper planning and continued population growth in the area, the school could eventually be upgraded into a composite school. He noted that Kewhitsütuo Model occupies a strategic location along the highway entering Kohima and is expected to witness significant residential expansion in the coming years.
Describing the school as an investment in human and social capital, he expressed hope that the government would continue supporting its growth through future infrastructure and educational investments.
He also drew attention to the broader challenges facing school education in Nagaland, pointing out that many government schools continue to function in dilapidated buildings with inadequate facilities. Against this backdrop, he said the newly constructed school stands as a source of pride for students, teachers, and parents alike, providing a safe, dignified and spacious learning environment that exceeds the institution’s present needs.
Delivering the keynote address, K Neibou Sekhose, Chairman of T Khel Council, described the occasion as an “exciting chapter” in the history of Tsütuonuomia.
“Life is like a book. Some chapters are sad, some are happy, and some are exciting. Today, we have witnessed an exciting chapter in the history of Tsütuonuomia,” he said.
Sekhose remarked that while villages were once protected with spears, today they are protected through education.
“Building a school is not an expense; it is security,” he said.
He said the new school building represents an investment that will benefit society for decades and fulfils a vision conceived by community leaders in the late 1970s.
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Sharing the history of Kewhitsütuo Model, Sekhose said the settlement was envisioned nearly 50 years ago as a model village for future generations. With Kohima’s continued urban development, he said the community is working towards becoming a model settlement equipped with modern facilities, particularly in education.
He noted that the Government Primary School building was constructed entirely through the T Khel Council Fund, reflecting the community’s commitment to prioritising education even before the settlement was fully developed.
“Today it is a Government Primary School, but we have already begun planning for a Higher Secondary School,” he said, adding that adequate land has been earmarked for future expansion. He also revealed that construction of an international-standard stadium has already commenced to provide sports infrastructure for residents and the wider public.
He also acknowledged the flagging off of a sanitation vehicle by Kohima Municipal Council Chairman Neibouzelie Sechü, stating that the vehicle, funded by the Tsütuonuomia Council, symbolises dignity, public health and community pride. The vehicle will serve more than 800 residents across approximately 250 households in Kewhitsütuo Model.
Neibodzelie Solo , Chairman, Kohima Municipal Council highlighted proper waste management as one of the key priorities for the growing Kewhitsütuo Model area, stressing that effective waste management is essential for protecting public health and preserving the environment. He appealed to residents to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and work together to maintain a clean and healthy locality.
Solo urged the public to actively participate in the Census 2027 process. Noting the importance of accurate population data for future planning and development, he appealed to every household and individual to sincerely ensure that they are properly enumerated during the ongoing census exercise.
The inaugural programme began with an invocation by Rev Atuo Whuorie, Pastor of Baptist Mission Church.
A welcome address was delivered by Er Kelhousinyü Solo, Chairman of Kewhitsütuo Model. Students of Government Primary School, Kewhitsütuo Model, also presented a special song, adding a cultural touch to the occasion.
The programme was compered by Kiyakhrienuo Solo and Visasielie Suohu.
