TURA: The 25 years long journey of the College of Teacher Education at Rongkhon near Tura was marked by a grand Silver Jubilee celebration at the Basic Training College Playground on Tuesday. The college which was first established in the year 1993 happens to be the first ever college for teachers in Garo Hills.
Meghalaya Education Minister, Lakmen Rymbui was the Chief Guest on the occasion in the presence of North Tura MLA, Thomas A Sangma as the Guest of Honour, Director of Education, Ambrose Ch Marak and other dignitaries including heads of different schools and colleges.
Speaking on the occasion as the Chief Guest, Rymbui said that the suicide rate among students in the state was very high and that it was the duty of teachers to encourage them to believe in themselves so that they do not get depressed.
Urging the teachers to look after their students Rymbui said, “Every child is good. There are children with talents and talent is more important than grades. Teachers should identify the interests of each individual student and guide them”.
Rymbui also raised the issue of increasing crimes against women in children in the state and urged teachers to play a pivotal role by sensitizing them.
Informing that the state government was trying to improve the quality of education in terms of infrastructure, the education minister revealed that Rs 14 crore has been earmarked for infrastructure development but achieving the same by the set target of May 2020 might not be possible. He added that the same would be reviewed when he gets back to Shillong.
Rymbui said that as the present system of education allows very little time for youths to get themselves employed after completing their studies, the government was contemplating extending the employment age limit to 37 years for teachers. He said it was also looking at the possibility of making B Ed course a four year course, starting from class XII.
Dwelling on the subject of pollution, Rymbui urged the people to limit the use of plastic.
“Pollution level is still very good in the state. But it could be the same as other big cities in the near future if we don’t act now,” he said.
Earlier, Guest of Honour and North Tura MLA, Thomas A Sangma, while congratulating the college said that achieving 25 years was not easy and that the college had come a long way. Sangma said that education scenario in the state had undergone a change due to the college, which was producing local teachers who are now teaching in various schools.
Stating that education is the only weapon to bring change, Sangma informed that the development of education was the first priority in the eyes of the government.
Sangma also mentioned the development plan of the MDA Government under four Es- Education, Employment, Equity, Environment and Economy.
The occasion also saw the release of the Jubilee Souvenir by the Chief Guest earlier in the day.