Chief Secretary, Nagaland, Dr. J. Alam, IAS today inaugurated the Centre of Excellence for Foreign Language (CoEFL) at the Department of Linguistics, Nagaland University, Meriema.
Speaking at the inaugural programme, Dr. J. Alam lauded the partnership between the Government of Nagaland and Japan and stated that it has been going stronger. He mentioned that many initiatives such as a major scheme in Forest Department for conservation is being implemented with Japanese assistance.
He also thanked the IDAN Team for being the moving force behind this initiative and also thanked the Nagaland University authorities for accepting the idea and for providing all the resources.
Joint Secretary, Investment and Development Authority (IDAN) Nagaland, Reny Wilfred, IAS said that giving IDAN the responsibility of introducing the CoEFL marks a milestone in Nagaland history in paving the way for the youths of Nagaland as well as abroad. He thanked the Chief Secretary Dr. J Alam for the initiative and his unwavering determination to get it done.
He also mentioned that the introduction of foreign language could be a turning point for the youths of Nagaland in many ways and pointed out that students who are learning languages have a higher potential to earn in core aspects of Japanese life and in other areas. Wilfred also hoped that in future, the Centre will have a degree course and a doctorate course in foreign languages.
Earlier, Head Professor, Department of Linguistics, NU, Pangersenla Walling said that the Centre is an initiative of many different individual who worked together with a vision, and thanked the Chief Secretary in setting up of Centre and the IDAN Team lead by Joint Secretary, IDAN, Reny Wilfred, IAS. Walling said the Centre is a collaboration by all the departments and not only Nagaland University but through the active initiatives of IDAN.
She informed that the main objective was to establish Nagaland as a hub of learning foreign languages and that this Centre will not only offer a wider educational course for the students but will also foster employment and opportunities both domestically and internationally and help enhance skills development for young professionals seeking jobs.
Further, the Head Professor mentioned that this Centre is a generous sponsor by the State Government through the Innovation Fund under Planning & Transformation Department for which the major percentage of fund will be used to subsidise the students’ fee. She further mentioned the two categories for learning Japanese language and culture were that the students who want to seek employment opportunities in Japan, and said five students out of 33 students enrolled for Japanese language from the Centre of Excellence for Foreign Language under Nagaland University have found placement in different companies in Japan.
