Kohima: The Chakhesang Scholars’ Forum (CSF), in collaboration with the Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO), organised a daylong seminar on the theme “Quality education in Chakhesang areas: focus on elementary level” at the Pioneers Complex Conference Hall, Chakhesang Baptist Church Council Mission Centre, Pfutsero, on Saturday.
The resource persons for the seminar were Dr. Povotso Lohe, Advocate, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench and former lecturer in Political Science at Kohima College, and Rev. Dr. Phuveyi Dozo, President of United College of Theology and Mission and former General Secretary of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC).
According to organisers, the event marked the third and concluding phase of the series, with the earlier two seminars held at Phek and Kohima last year.
CSF chairman Dr. Zavise Rume stated that the primary objective of the initiative was to gather opinions and suggestions from Chakhesang scholars, intellectuals, thinkers and teachers to gain a deeper understanding of how to improve the quality of school education, particularly at the elementary level.
CPO treasurer Wepekha Wetsah highlighted concerns over unemployment in the community and urged for thorough deliberations to address the issue. He stressed the importance of guiding children from the elementary stage to choose their future career paths and later pursue professional courses accordingly. Wetsah also underlined the need to preserve cultural identity by promoting the use of one’s dialect at home.
Speaking on the theme, Dr. Povotso Lohe called for a multifaceted approach to improving education at the primary level. He said quality education should ensure inclusivity, equity and a thirst for knowledge, while encompassing curriculum, teaching standards, infrastructure, learning resources and the overall learning environment. He maintained that quality education not only gives children the opportunity to thrive but also equips them with the space to dream and the tools to achieve their aspirations.
In his presentation, Rev. Dr. Phuveyi Dozo proposed seven models of quality education. He emphasised the total commitment of teachers, a strong teacher-parent partnership, work-oriented education, supervised practical work, and a modernised teaching system.
The seminar also featured overviews of the education system in Phek, Chozuba and Pfutsero by Sheveto Vese, Mentor at Christian Mission Higher Secondary School Phek; Joseph Lohe, PhD research scholar in History and Archaeology at Nagaland University; and Akole Sami, retired senior SDEO, Phek.
Further, Dr. Tsutshowe-ü Sekhamo, Secretary (Academic and Journal Publication), CSF, and Dr. Gideon Phesao, General Secretary, CSF, presented statistics on school education in Chakhesang areas based on data collected from SDEO offices in Phek, Pfutsero and Chozuba, NBSE, the Rural Development Department and the 2011 Census.
The seminar was chaired by Wepekhro Wetsah, Assistant Professor, Department of History, Pfutsero Government College, while CSF Joint Secretary Rukuzo Ruho moderated one of the technical sessions. Invocation was pronounced by CBCC Executive Secretary Chekrovei Cho-o.
Educators, scholars, leaders and students from across the Chakhesang areas participated actively in the discussions.
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