By Yoshwameki Ropmay
The rural population in India represents 65% of the total population and as of 2021, the literacy rate of rural India stands at around 73.5% according to a report by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Education opens up new opportunities to access information and technology and rural education in particular has emerged as a yardstick to measure a nation’s success. However, the very idea is fraught with challenges that befall the administration in a fast-paced digital age. Crucial elements of learning, such as problem-solving, hands-on training and skill development are subjects that the traditional educational system cannot implement, despite being highly in-demand in the times. In a unique initiative, Chief Minister’s Youth Centre (CMYC) has established centres throughout the state that serve as alternative self-learning and co-learning spaces for rural youth, offering supplemental tools and programs to enhance school-based learning.
A collaborative initiative of the Government of Meghalaya, Sauramandala Foundation and Project DEFY (Design Education For Yourself), the adoption of this alternate system of education is part of the government’s endeavour to implement and further strengthen the Youth Policy in the state. A main component of these centres is a ‘Nook’ or a self-designed learning space provisioned with laptops, internet, tools and a culture of curiosity, creation and co-operation. They are intended to operate completely by the community and the process of learning is driven by every individual based on their own needs and that of the people around them. “This space is borne out of the idea of giving the power of decision-making back to the community. It is an opportunity for everyone to learn irrespective of age, religion, caste and place and place of birth,” said Hridhya, Programme Manager of CMYC Madanlyngkhi.
An Exhibition Day event was held at CMYC, Madanlyngkhi at Laitlyngkot on April 14, highlighting the journey and progress of a self-designed learning education supplementing the existing school systems. The Exhibition Day marked the completion of a learning cycle for a group of learners, typically spanning over three months. On this day, learners from the community showcased their projects, products, and other learning outcomes through presentations. The event was thus an opportunity for them to publicly demonstrate their knowledge and skills and receive recognition for their efforts. The event was also graced by the presence of distinguished guests like, the MLA of Sohra Constituency, Gavin Mylliemngap and Aubrey Khonglam from the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society, among others.
There were six groups that presented their learnings on a range of subjects like bakery, coding and programming, embroidery, fine arts and fashion design. Aibilissita Majaw, a student at the centre has been enrolled for website designing and coding and on the day talked about how learning coding by herself using only online materials was indeed possible. Through a presentation, she explained the web page that she designed on her own. “I am hoping that my learning will help other people and inspire them. I faced many challenges but in the end I am successful,” she said during an interview. She is an example of what sheer determination and hardwork looks like. There were also thorough displays of artworks at the gallery made out of acrylic paint. The designers displayed their fashion design projects which showcased the innovation and unique ideas of the learners that featured interesting fashion accessories using local aesthetics and sensibilities.
CMYC is a community space not only for the youths but also adults to experience learning from a lens of choice, where they choose what they gain knowledge of and in-turn discover their goals and interests. They help learners of all age groups in exploring different vocational interests by setting their own learning milestones and executing exciting projects. “Nobody teaches the learners but they learn by themselves through various knowledge tools like the internet, books and materials that are purchased,” said Implementation Associate at the centre, Sweety Shylla. Such initiatives are crucial in bridging the gap in education and skill development between the rural and urban areas, creating a more equitable society. These centres empower the rural youth with the tools and resources to acquire new skills and knowledge helping them take charge of their own advancement and initiate them to be an agent of self-reliance and ownership over their education leading to personal and community development.