The Chakhesang Scholars’ Forum (CSF), in collaboration with the Chakhesang Public Organization (CPO), organized a seminar on ‘Quality Education in Chakhesang Areas’ on October 26 at the CPO building, Phek.
The seminar in Phek is the first of a three-phase series aimed at promoting inclusive and quality education in the Chakhesang areas, particularly at the elementary level, which is the fundamental stage for establishing a strong foundation for future learning and development.
The seminar aims to provide a platform where scholars, academicians, teachers, and public leaders from the Chakhesang community can discuss and explore a holistic approach to quality education. It also seeks to demonstrate that engaging local communities and organizations can yield better outcomes in the pursuit of quality education.
CSF Chairman Dr. Zavise Rume explained that the seminar serves as an opinion-gathering exercise to explore the possibilities of implementing quality education in the region. It provides a platform for healthy interactions and wider consultations with educators, leaders, and scholars in hopes of improving the quality of education in Chakhesang areas. The opinions gathered at the seminar will be assessed, and a resolution will be adopted accordingly.
In this regard, he called on the gathering to work more closely than ever before to achieve the desired goals.
CPO President Vezuhu Keyho said that the organization, as the apex body, has been concerned about the quality of education in the Chakhesang area, particularly at the elementary level, and has made it a priority. He added that CSF, being the highest intellectual body in the community, has been tasked with organizing the seminar series to address the issue.
Keyho emphasized that elementary education is key to building a strong society, and to cultivate responsible citizens, it is important to strengthen and focus on foundational learning.
He urged educators and teachers to incorporate the community’s good practices and culture into their teaching methods. Ultimately, the quality of a society depends on the dedication and commitment of its teachers, he added.
Resource persons for the day included Medozü Mero, CSF Advisor, and Dr. Runi Nakro, Associate Professor at the State College of Teacher Education (SCTE), with Rukuzo Rüho, Joint Secretary of CSF, and Dr. Tsutshowe-ü Sekhamo, Secretary for Academic and Journal Publication at CSF, moderating the technical sessions.
Earlier, Dr. Gideon Phesao, General Secretary of CSF, gave a presentation on Statistics on School Education in Chakhesang Areas, incorporating data collected from the SDEO Phek, Pfutsero, and Chozuba, as well as the NBSE, Rural Development Department, and the 2011 census.
Currently, there are 189 schools under the SDEO Phek, Pfutsero, and Chozuba, of which 131 are government schools and 58 are private.
Rev. Dr. Thüpucüyi Khesoh, Pastor of Phek Town Baptist Church, delivered the invocation. A folk song was presented by Vezholu Tetseo, Ravo Rhakho, and friends, while Dr. Nütazo Lohe, Assistant Professor in the Department of History at Phek Government College, chaired the introductory session.
Two additional seminars on the same topic will be held in Pfutsero and Kohima in November.
Over 60 participants, including educators, leaders, scholars, and students, attended the seminar and actively participated in the discussions.