SHILLONG, Aug 14: Principals and educators from 22 schools in Shillong participated in a capacity boosting initiative hosted by the Directorate of Educational Research and Training (DERT) Meghalaya and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on Tuesday.
Led by UNODC’s South Asia Communications Officer Samarth Pathak and NCERT’s Assistant Professor, Dr Satya Bhushan, the workshop focused on addressing emerging student vulnerabilities and empowering young people to resist negative influences and risky behaviours through targeted education.
Director of DERT, Meghalaya, RS Manners, set the tone for the workshop with a compelling message about the need for an evolved educational approach. “To support our students effectively, we must address their emotional and psychological needs as well as their academic growth. It’s essential that we equip our educators with innovative tools and strategies to address these issues effectively, ensuring that our schools are places where students feel safe and supported,” Manners stated.
Dr Satya Bhushan of NCERT highlighted the importance of aligning educational practices with national policies: “The NEP 2020 emphasises holistic development and the need for educational institutions to address the well-being of students. Through RiseUp4Peace, educators are being equipped with the knowledge to take such interventions to the classrooms,” Dr Bhushan said.
Samarth Pathak from UNODC echoed this sentiment, emphasising the role of educators in shaping a safer and more just environment for students. “Our aim is to empower educators to instill values of peace, integrity, and the rule of law in their students. By doing so, we are helping to create a more positive and supportive environment for young people,” Pathak said, adding that to effectively address the evolving needs of students, there is need to look beyond isolated events and invest in ongoing programs that provide continuous support to educators. This sustained approach is crucial for making a meaningful and lasting impact on student well-being.
In the intensive discussions that followed, educators highlighted various challenges their students face, including bullying, mental health issues, cyber harassment, and substance use. “This workshop has been an eye-opener. A learning (phase) for me has been that we must be proactive in creating and providing a safe space for students to openly discuss their problems and receive guidance,” one participant noted.
The workshop provided practical solutions and hands-on strategies, enabling educators to directly apply what they learned in their classrooms. The focus on good practices and policy linkages with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 provided a framework for integrating these critical themes into everyday educational practices. “We discussed real-life scenarios and developed actionable strategies,” Paul, an educator, said. “This has given me new insights into how I can create a more supportive environment for my students.”
The workshop was designed not just to highlight the problems but to provide practical solutions with hands-on activities and discussions. Ideating in groups, educators shared a range of school-focused good practices, such as a buddy programme to identify risky behaviours, student clubs on reducing digital footprint and increased sensitisation initiatives on mental health and cyber-security.
Laila Kharkongor, a teacher, observed, “This workshop has been transformative. This is not just about adding to our curriculum; it’s about fundamentally changing how we approach these critical issues.”
As educators prepare to take these transformative strategies into their classrooms, there is a pertinent need for continued support and investment in such efforts.
The UNODC and NCERT realise that in a rapidly evolving world, educators are on the front lines of addressing a range of challenges faced by students. With the rise of digital media, students are increasingly exposed to negative influences such as cyber-bullying, substance abuse, and mental health issues. The need for education that addresses these vulnerabilities is urgent. Educators play a crucial role in providing students with the support and skills they need to navigate these complex issues and foster a positive, safe environment.
