A consultative meeting was held on November 2, 2024, at the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall in Mokokchung, bringing together the Ao Frontal Organization, various churches, and the Ao Reju (Ao Literature Board) with Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, the Advisor of School Education and SCERT. During the meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Thusvisie Phoji, Advisor Yhome discussed the overall scenario of the education system in Nagaland, emphasizing the need for “rationalization of the education system in the state” to bring about positive changes.
The meeting opened with a welcome from District Education Officer Sentinenla, who emphasized that the gathering “embodies the spirit of collaboration,” adding that by joining forces, “we hope to strengthen our education system, empower the marginalized community, and foster inclusive growth.” Sentinenla acknowledged those present, underscoring the importance of their shared commitment to improving education in the community.
Dr Kekrielhoulie Yhome’s Vision for Educational Reform
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Kekrielhoulie Yhome underscored the role of education in shaping society. He remarked on the historical significance of 2024, marking a century since Nagaland’s first graduate, A Kevichusa, and expressed hope that the meeting would inspire collaborative action. Dr Yhome also highlighted how, over time, government schools have struggled with quality and community trust. “Before, government schools were doing well, but now people have lost trust due to the lack of teachers,” he observed, questioning why parents of limited means would send their children to government schools under such conditions.
Dr Yhome acknowledged the role of private schools in producing recent leadership within the state. Still, he emphasized the need for quality education in government institutions, especially for those who cannot afford private schooling. “Where private schools cannot reach, government schools exist, and their duty is to provide quality education,” he stated. Addressing issues of teacher misconduct, Dr Yhome spoke on the need to tackle the issue of alcohol use by some educators, which he described as having a very negative impact on the students, not only in terms of their ability to learn but also the fact that they don’t feel safe.
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Clarifying transfer protocols, he added, “There is no quota in the transfer system,” in response to concerns regarding the high volume of transfer requests within the educational sector.
Addressing the difficulties and challenges faced by the Education Department, Yhome stated, “Any problems can be resolved and overcome with active collaboration from all the stakeholders of the state.” He urged all parties involved to consult with the department and provide their suggestions, stating that their input would be crucial for implementing initiatives aimed at addressing existing challenges. “I believe this will be able to streamline the system and improve the quality of education in the state,” he added.
Ao Senden President Marsanen Imsong’s Call for Practical Reforms
Representing Mokokchung’s civic bodies, Marsanen Imsong, President of Ao Senden, addressed several ongoing challenges. Supporting the rationalization efforts of the Department of School Education, Imsong stressed the importance of a practical approach, particularly for rural schools. He also emphasized the disruptive impact of mid-year teacher transfers, urging for the halting of such practices for the sake of students’ stability.
Imsong further highlighted the acute shortage of qualified language teachers in government schools, expressing concerns over untrained appointments. “Just because one can speak the language does not mean they can teach it,” he asserted, urging the appointment of skilled language teachers to safeguard the accurate teaching of endangered tribal languages.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion, followed by a vote of thanks from Sr. SDEO Tinumayang and a benediction by Rev. Fr. Sajimon, Principal of Queen Mary School. The consultative meeting reinforced the necessity of collaboration and swift action to address educational challenges, supporting Nagaland’s education system and community development.