Won’t rush to re-open schools: DoSE

September 6, 2020 182 Views No Comment

Correspondent KOHIMA, SEP 5 (NPN) : Concerned over the safety of the children that was at stake, the state department of school education said that it would not rush to re-open schools in Nagaland.

Speaking to a section of journalists here Saturday, the principal director school education, Shanavas C, said that the department would analyse the situation in the state, wait for the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and then take a call on re-opening of schools in Nagaland. Shanavas, however, informed that online classes would continue till September 24, which could be extended depending on the guidelines provided by the MHA for reopening of schools in India.

As per the revised ‘Unlock 4 guidelines’ issued by the Home ministry, schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutions will remain closed for students till September 30, with some relaxations for students of classes 9 to 12.

Informing that promotion without exam may not be feasible as per the Supreme Court judgment, he said that examination would be conducted for the schools in the state. He, however, clarified the department would only decide once the schools reopened in Nagaland.

Due to the unprecedented circumstances, the principal director explained that the department had to experiment with all kinds of methods both online and offline for students to learn during the lockdown period.

Urging students to keep in touch with the reading habits, Shanavas asked the students to use any methods available either through digital class, notes from teachers and read the textbooks that so the process of education continue and there was no break for the students during the lockdown.

It may be recalled that the School Education department, during its survey in July received a mixed response from the parents regarding re-opening of schools. Majority of parents were not in favour of schools reopening now in view of the COVID-19 pandemic while most were of the opinion to reopen schools only in January 2021. The department also decided to hold monthly review/assessment to ascertain the ground situation on re-opening of schools.

As the department decided to continue with online classes for students, the directorate had setup a ‘control room’ similar to the COVID war room where it will monitor teachers’ diaries, activities of students etc.

Teachers urged to adapt to changing scenario: Asserting that teachers have a major role to play in a student’s life, the principal director urged the teachers to adapt themselves with the changing scenario in order to contribute to the society. Shanavas said the teachers should have the motivation to learn new things so it could be passed on to the students.

He expressed hope that the teachers would adapt themselves to the changing times and contribute to the society at large.

Stating that teaching was “a divine profession”, he said teachers mould the students for their future generation and growth of society. He said many teachers have come forward voluntarily both private and government to help the students. He further acknowledged the teachers who have contributed a lot for the students, especially during COVID-19 crisis.

Admitting that the education system in Nagaland had many issues, the principal director pointed out the issues of remoteness, lack of connectivity, many schools running without proper teachers. He, however, said that teachers were giving their best at this difficult circumstance.

Further, he expressed hope that teachers would continue to give their best so the future generation would think more for the state and contribute more to society.

On Teacher’s Day Award, he said the programme was cancelled in view of the declaration of seven-day mourning announced by the Centre as a mark of respect to former President of India Pranab Mukherjee. While congratulating the awardees, he informed that the awards would be handed over only when normalcy returns in the state.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/won-t-rush-to-re-open-schools-dose/221490.html