Editor,
I couldn’t help but respond to Biplab Kr Dey’s report: Can the education sector in Garo Hills be revived? (ST March 22, 2023). It is with anguish and pain that I read the deeply distressing, on ground, factual report of the dismal education scenario in Garo Hills. And I can comfortably surmise it’s the same in rural areas of Khasi and Jaintia Hills! I totally agree with all the views/suggestions/opinions expressed by the persons interviewed. However, I believe certain priorities must come first. With no disrespect to anyone, I firmly believe we need to come out of our comfort zones and not get bogged down by hard and fast rules or mindsets.
Yes, infrastructure is a priority, but not an immediate one.
Let me take you back to schools that began out of garages, cattle sheds, etc. Montford School at Jorabat began as a shabby wooden single structure of a few rooms, way back in the 70s. And now it has grown into a monstrosity! Again, at Jagiroad, very much later, Indus Valley School began with thatched roofs and bamboo lattice partitions. Now it’s grown having permanent buildings. It has been judged the best CBSE school in that area! Why can’t Meghalaya government go in for ‘Tent’ schools? Such classrooms will have a long life and will meet the requirements till solid structures are built. Obviously, the tent material has to be of high quality and durable. Similar to those at adventure sites of Himachal and Uttaranchal. They are not costly!
Now in the case of more B.Ed colleges churning out qualified teachers. What qualifies a good teacher? All your answers will probably be correct. But I look at it differently. Vocation and avocation! If a person does not have the drive, passion, desire, excitement, enthusiasm, innovative and imaginative mind, a readiness to invest his time, et al, then what good will they be in the school even if they meet all the qualifications laid down? Having the qualitative and quantitative requirements does not make a teacher! So, bend the rules and employ people who are good teachers and give them a time frame to do their further studies/training. Be magnanimous when a teacher is making such a sacrifice to teach at far flung areas. It was a practice in the past, even for well-established schools!
Why do we have to open more B.Ed Colleges? Can’t more Primary Teachers Training Colleges be established? Special training is required for primary teaching and the B.Ed syllabus does not do justice to addressing the teaching learning process exhaustively for primary school children.
And lastly if we can apply the correlation of all subjects under Environmental Studies at the primary level it will cut down on teacher requirements. The time table will be spaced out well to cover all subjects (Languages, Maths, Social Sciences). Proper training in this method is of great importance though.
I had expressed my suggestions on how to take up learning at the village level when I responded to an article by Patricia Mukhim on education. Again, I respond with the hope that some of the ideas expressed are taken up by people who truly care about the sorry and sad plight of education at the rural areas.
Yours etc.,
Kevin Phillips,
Via email