A national workshop for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on early childhood care and education (ECCE), aligning with the vision of NEP 2020 to ensure quality foundational learning for young children was held yesterday.
The event was hosted by the College of Community Science, Central Agricultural University (Imphal) Tura
Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma in his speech emphasised the continuous nature of education, stating that learning is an ongoing process that shapes individuals and society. He highlighted the importance of adapting education to contemporary challenges, including climate change, technological advancements, and global crises.
He also stressed the need for skill-based education, ensuring that India’s youth are equipped for the future. Citing the National Education Policy (NEP), he encouraged institutions to integrate traditional knowledge with modern advancements to foster innovation and self-reliance.
The Minister also touched upon the importance of maternal and child health, citing various government initiatives aimed at improving education and healthcare accessibility. He reiterated the role of stakeholders—teachers, policymakers, and institutions—in ensuring the holistic development of students.
The program also featured the release of a compendium, further enriching the knowledge sharing experience. J.S.D. Maiong, Member of the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, emphasized the importance of nurturing a child-friendly learning environment.
She emphasised that education and child protection go hand in hand, as a strong foundation in education not only fosters intellectual growth but also shields children from vulnerabilities like child labour, exploitation, neglect, and abuse. Highlighting the importance of inclusive opportunities, she stressed the need to bridge socio-economic gaps and create platforms for sharing knowledge and best practices in child welfare.
This workshop was attended by about 100 participants from 20 states online and 45 nominations for offline participation.
