Underprivileged and economically disadvantaged children enrolled in the ‘Reading Program’ at Forest Colony Government High School were distributed free umbrellas today by Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, MLA of 9 Kohima Town AC, at a small function organized by the Bumblebee Society and the government school at the Forest Colony Community Hall.
Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso, impressed with the noble work of the Bumblebee Society, volunteered to extend further support to all government schools within the constituency, in addition to the Bumblebee Society’s ‘Reading Program.’ He exhorted the children present that studying is a priority and encouraged them to study hard to become contributing assets to society, good citizens, and able to give back to the community.
The free umbrella distribution was held as part of the Bumblebee Society’s ‘Reading Program’ to ensure children attend school regularly and with dignity, even during the rainy season, especially considering the early monsoon.
Many children, mostly from marginalized families or working as household helpers, often lack basic school necessities and walk long distances without protection from rain or sun, which affects their attendance and health.
Earlier in the program, Vikhor Tepa from the Bumblebee Society said that the society is a local non-profit organization dedicated to disability awareness and inclusive education, making meaningful strides in bridging learning gaps among children from marginalized communities.
The Bumblebee Society’s ‘Reading Program’ has been working with children from marginalized communities and those with disabilities since 2011. The program currently operates in two government schools — GMS New Minister’s Hill and GHS Forest Colony — with over 120 students enrolled. It focuses on strengthening foundational literacy for students in Classes 1 to 4, including phonics lessons.
Ninety-five percent of these children are domestic helpers. The program is tailored to suit their learning pace and background, using interactive, child-friendly methods to build confidence and foundational literacy skills.
The Assistant Headmistress of GHS Forest Colony, Swedeseno Zao, thanked MLA Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso for his benevolence and expressed her gratitude for his concern for the welfare of the school children in her short speech. The MLA also visited classrooms and interacted with the students and teaching faculty of the school.