Kohima : Under the initiative of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), directorate of school education, in partnership with Lend a Hand India (LAHI), inaugurated Vocational Education for secondary and higher secondary schools in Nagaland.
To meet the objective, LAHI selected four pilot schools to implement the Multi-Skill Foundation Course (MSFC), which will serve as role model for other schools in the state. YouthNet is collaborating with the project as a training partner.
The MSFC course includes engineering, electrical training, gardening, agriculture, food processing, welding, carpentry, plumbing, healthcare and renewable energy. Trainees will be taught by two vocational trainers, appointed by LALI for Kohima district.
For Kohima district, the MSFC has been implemented in TM Government Higher Secondary School (TMGHSS) and Dr. Neilhouzhü Kire HSS while in Dimapur district it has been implemented in Diphupar-A GHSS and Purana Bazaar GHSS.
Speaking at the MSFC inauguration program held at TMGHSS on Wednesday, director school education, Wonthungo Tsopoe lamented that despite having a department of industries and commerce, the state was yet to set up even a cottage industry.
He regretted that the state still completely depends on other states and learning was only a degree based system, and on this subject he said students needed to learns skills not included in the academic course.
The director pointed out that the Nagaland market had been invaded by non-Nagas, from the barber to the salesman, which affects the state economy as well. “Even vegetables and food are no longer safe for the people.” he remarked.
He advocated for skilled labour, including skills in farming, pointing out that these skills would be required for any industry set up in the state.
Acknowledging the MHRD for approving the pilot project, he asked the students to make good use of the opportunity and also appealed to the parents to support their children when they show interest in vocational courses and promised full support from the department.
State mission director Limawabang Aier in his brief address said the training aims to fully train students to help them in their day to day life as well.
He reported that four schools were funded under CSR resources and the MSFC will be introduced in five: GHSS Chumukedima, GHS Medziphima, GHSS Chozuba Phek, GHSS Pungro Kiphiri and GHS Athibung in Peren district, in the next academic session.
According to Aier, 99% of the state money is going outside and this money needs to be retained through Nagas learning skills of various trades, and in this way enhancing local economy.
State project officer LAHI Parvin Yadav in his overview on the MSFC program said the project was meant for five years after which RMSA will take up the program. He added that after completion of the foundation course in class IX and X, students can opt for sector specific specialization in class XI and XII.
NBSE will be the certification authority for those who compete the foundation course.
Note: News shared for public awareness with reference from the information provided at online news portals.
