World literacy day celebrated

SHILLONG, SEPT 8: The World Literacy Day 2018 was celebrated on the theme “Literacy and Skills Development” at SMELC Building, Dakopgre, Tura on Saturday.  The programme was organised by District Unit of SSA, West Garo Hills Tura.

Head of the Department of English, North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Tura Campus, Professor Sujata Gurudev graced the occasion as Chief Guest in the presence of officials of education department, teachers and students from the district.

While addressing the gathering on the occasion, Sujata Gurudev said that the future belongs to children and everyone as a stakeholder is responsible towards creating and making this literacy possible which is a source of change and development. Referring to the impressive performance of the students during the function, she said that every Child is capable, potentially a genius and therefore, the adults should help them to develop their skills and talents in whatever capacity they have.

Further, stressing on the importance of vocational education, she said that vocational training is necessary in order to provide various skills relating to their ability. Pointing out to the traditional practise of wood carving, cane and bamboo works done by the people of the region, she said that it is important that these skills should be passed on to the next generation to keep the tradition alive as well as to provide source of livelihood for the people. Moreover, emphasizing on the importance of education, she encouraged the students to develop their skills and values and contribute to the growth and sustainable development of the society in their capacity.

In his keynote address, Joint Director and District School and Education Officer (DSEO) in-charge, West Garo Hills B G Momin said that the key aspect of observance of World Literacy Day is to mobilize public opinion in favour of struggle against illiteracy and a forum to disseminate information on literacy and raise public awareness about the significance of literacy for individual and national development. He also highlighted on the implementation of SSA Scheme in the district which provides elementary education to children between 6 to 14 years of age and informed that about 1, 39,096 students are covered under this scheme in the district.

“Literacy is at the heart of basic education for all and essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring sustainable development, peace and democracy”, he said.

During the function, the Chief Guest also distributed the Prizes to the Winners of Debate, Letter Writing, Essay and Painting competitions held at various schools at Selsella, Tikrikilla, Rongram, Dadenggre, Jengjal and Dalu blocks as part of Swachhta Pakhwada programme.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Block Mission Coordinator, Rongram Block, Samuel Ch Marak and President, Senior citizen, Tura W G Momin.

Students of Kasturba Gandhi Ballika Vidyalaya Selsella, Monfort Higher Secondary School, Tura and St. Xavier’s Secondary School, Tura presented song, skit and dance respectively during the day’s celebration.