Educational
transformation :An imperative!
Editor,
I’m greatly elated at what Patricia Mukhim writes to educate and draw in readers to respond and in this case to the article, ”We have a shared responsibility to make education a priority” (Nov 10, 2023). I share not only the same opinions and thoughts expressed, but her deep care and concern at the dismissal situation in Meghalaya across all departments. She’s a hands-on person and has her ear to the ground that’s why realities are exposed with no embellishments! I’ve rarely seen editors of other dailies of the country write so regularly. What draws my admiration is that she’s on the ground studying and observing in order to feel the pulse of the people and not being scholarly or academic. It’s so easy to be an Armchair Reporter these days!
Readers may now brand me as being condescending, but that’s all right! Because all my life I have been viewed as quite the opposite! I’d like to expand on ‘School Environment’ because it can be harsh, cruel, severe and damaging, particularly on weak students. I believe that the turning point of a student’s life rests solidly on a conducive, learning friendly, encouraging atmosphere supported by caring teachers and sympathetic parents. A studied observation reveals that slow learners gets caught up in their inadequacy. It is further aggravated when peers and teachers laugh and jeer at the student, giving nicknames and some parents do the same too. The child is then branded a dunce or something else for the rest of his/her school life.
If a child cannot break through this vicious stage then he/ she struggles and doesn’t finish schooling. I’m old enough to have seen many not make it in life. It’s sad that they talk with such hate and bitterness of their school days! Imagine indelible scenes being played out in their minds over and over again when they are down and out!
The ”JOHN teaches Maths to alister.” was not lost on me! I had a cynical grin! This is the absolute truth!
I would like to add that many teachers too just give up on weak students who then fall by the wayside. As Principal of The Army School 101 area, way back in the late 80s to mid 90s, I had parents seek admission in the middle of school term from renowned city schools. I would ask why and the child would pour out their hearts about the school environment. I admitted them on a priority basis and they never disappointed. I know of three who are medical doctors here in Shillong and I hope they read this letter!
The school environment is further compounded by the over-crowded classrooms. It’s hard to fix accountability given the multifarious shortcomings, poor and inadequate infrastructure, teacher requirements not met, availability and readiness of teachers for rural areas, and so on.
May the transformation now be energized under the present Education Minister through all the various committees and ground workers.
Yours etc.,
Kevin Phillips
Shillong – 19
Mental health matters
Editor,
The World Health Organization has defined Health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity”.
Yes, that is what we have been taught right from our school days. But there is one issue that has not been addressed well or recognised, when it comes to our country and especially our State and society and that is MENTAL HEALTH. We tend to ignore this part of the definition because our society has stigmatised it to the core.
Sad, but many are dealing with mental health issues, but they shut themselves up because of our ignorance regarding mental illness. Mental illness doesn’t really mean that a person has become a maniac or “mad/crazy.” With the increase in competition to fight for survival, in other words to be able to do well in studies to beat the unemployment syndrome, the pressures are just mounting and our young people have been drained mentally.
Depression is increasing at an alarming rate but we fail to see the signs and symptoms within the youth community. Young people suffer from stress, confusion, self-doubt and financial uncertainty. One important reason is not being able to secure a GOVERNMENT JOB even though they have attained high academic merits etc. Other risk factors include sexual abuse, exposure to violence, conflict with close friends or family members, use of alcohol or drugs, social isolation, academic pressure, loss of a valued relationship, impaired social skills; impaired peer relationships and bullying. Moreover, young people have a STIGMA associated with asking for help. The barriers to accessing services along with cultural and religious beliefs are other factors which have contributed to the ill-fated side of young people ending their lives – or SUICIDE.
People who are depressed or have mental illnesses don’t want to end their lives; they want to end their PAIN.
According to sources, as per National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India (ADSI) report, over 13,000 students died in India at the rate of more than 35 every day, with 864 out of 10,732 suicides being due to “failure in examination.” Suicide which accounts for the fourth leading cause of death amongst the youth is an alarming issue in the country, for a population where 65 percent of people are under 35 years of age. It is one of the leading causes of fatalities.
How can we deal with this grotesque phenomenon claiming the lives of our young people?
Suicide prevention efforts should focus on educational institutions where the problems most often arise. Crisis centre hotlines, screening programs that seek to identify at-risk adolescents, media guidelines and efforts to limit toxic drug overdose are other important interventions. It is important for parents and family members of adolescents with suicidal tendencies to seek professional help immediately. They need to find spaces to share their feelings. They must encourage their children not to isolate themselves from their family and friends and recommend relaxing exercises. Parents should be counselled to notice that their children are suffering depression or anxiety so they can take them to a mental healthcare professional. Parents today need to pay attention to their children’s behaviour and never shrug off threats of young people as “melodramatic.” Most importantly, parents, teachers and other elders ought to listen to what the children are saying with compassion and concern.
Our young people need to be protected, cared, loved and listened to. Together we can overcome mental health illness and decrease the grim prospects of death of youth by suicide.
Yours etc.,
Chanmiki Laloo,
Shillong-02
Insensitive NEHU
Editor,
We were informed that as per the approved academic calendar 2023-2024, the Third and Fifth Semester Practical & Theory End Semester Examinations have been scheduled from November 16 and December 1, 2023 respectively. However, till date, the NEHU is yet to publish the Programme for the said examinations. Do our children have to sit for these examinations with an overnight notification? Advanced notification as per the University guidelines is mandatory in the interest of the students. The University authorities and the Vice Chancellor must know that students pursuing degrees in colleges affiliated to NEHU come from different states and need to buy their train or flight tickets much in advance. As parents and guardians, we are concerned with the study performance of our children. Therefore, the conflict that has come to the fore between teachers and the Vice Chancellor should not harm the students. If NEHU is indecisive with the programme for examination, please communicate the same and not keep our children in the dark!!
Yours etc.,
A concerned parent
Name withheld on request
Via email