Boy Problem
There are a number of government schemes dedicated to the girl child, and her education, and a number of NGOs dedicated to the same. However, it is difficult to name a government scheme or an NGO dedicated to the boy child, or his education. Maybe the boys are doing just fine.
Yet, the numbers say otherwise. At least in the context of Nagaland. The Nagaland Board of School Education’s data indicate that there are more girls enrolled in the schools than boys. Every year, almost every year, after the eagerly awaited NBSE results are declared, the state’s newspapers and media outlets will carry headlines that read like “Girls outshine boys” or “Girls outperform boys again,” as if it were a ‘boys versus girls’ game.
This year, there will be 17,117 students appearing for the NBSE/HSSLC Exams out of which 9,257 are girls, which is 1,397 more than the boys! That is a huge difference, a ratio big enough to attract the attention of social scientists. Where have all the boys gone?
Girls faring better than boys in school is not a problem. Boys not doing better is the problem. These boys are going to grow up as members of our society. They will become the men our society would need to take us forward. A scientific research or study is necessary to find the possible reasons why our boys are not performing well at school. Is it the parents’ fault? Is the educational system not boy-friendly? Or, is it simply that our boys are not wired to do well in their studies? Whatever be the case, the issue that demands recognition right now is that, dwindling number of our boys in school is a serious concern. Their poor performance an even bigger concern.
A New Look
Mokokchung Times has, since February 23, adopted a new design for the mast which the observant reader must have noticed. The change in design was part of our policy and a calculated decision. We are a very small newspaper, as of now, but Mokokchung Times promises to grow and evolve as we progress. Likewise, we have also formally launched our official website which we have tried our best to keep user friendly. We invite our readers to visit our website www.mokokchungtimes.com and leave your valuable feedback and comments.
Being an independent newspaper that is free from political or commercial interests, we knew from the start that it was going to be a difficult journey for us. We have embarked on this tedious journey knowing fully well that it is not going to be easy staying afloat, because we believe that our society needs an alternative newspaper to give voice to the voiceless, to raise issues that affect us, to build an informed citizenry, and to strengthen democracy.
We would also like to take this opportunity to announce that we rely on our loyal readers and well-wishers; that, we welcome suggestions; and, that, we solicit support from the community.