The State Education Mission Authority of Meghalaya (SEMAM), in collaboration with the Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides, today organised a function to mark World Literacy Day 2021.
The theme for this year’s World Literacy Day is ‘Literacy for a Human-Centred Recovery – Narrowing the Digital Divide’.
Additional Chief Secretary DP Wahlang, who is also the Education Department and State Mission Director of SEMAM (SSA), attended the programme as chief guest.
Speaking on the theme, Wahlang mentioned that the word “recovery” directly relates to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic over the last two years on the educational system.
By resorting to technology, the recovery process has been gradual, but in order to have a proficient and optimal solution, digital inclusion is a must. He reiterated the fact that digital inclusion in Meghalaya is still a far-off dream.
According to a survey conducted by the Education Department, only about 50-60 percent of upper primary students in urban areas have access to basic online classes and this figure drops to 20-25 percent in rural areas. Hence, there is an urgency to reopen schools amidst the pandemic because of a lack of digital inclusion.
The biggest challenge in Meghalaya is the lack of foundation for students in schools. The central government, acknowledging this flaw in the running system of schools, has shifted focus to ‘Foundational Learning and Numeracy’, which is a new mission under the overall umbrella of the SSA. This mission will give more emphasis on foundation, which will be given to the students up to Class 3 throughout the country.
During the day, a session on ‘Free and Compulsory Education as Per Right to Education Act 2009’ was also conducted by TTM Sangma, special officer from the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority.
An awareness programme on tobacco use among students, part of the ‘Tobacco Free Educational Institution Programme’ was also given by Dr Lana Lyngdoh Nongbri, State Nodal Officer (Tobacco Cell) of the Health Department.
In recognition of their efforts in the ‘Tobacco Free Educational Institution Programme, awards were conferred on Mylliem block Mission Coordinator, Herman Marwein; Joint Director of School Education and Literacy, Ri-Bhoi, Victor Nongbet; District Community Mobilisation Coordinator (SSA), Ri-Bhoi, Lucky Nora Tmung; District Community Mobilisation Coordinator (SSA), East Garo Hills, Srengrang Sangma; District School Education Officer and District Mission Coordinator (SSA), East Garo Hills, RD Shira; and Block Mission Coordinator (SSA) in Amlarem, Ioanis Umdor.
