Two-day fest gets under way at Shillong school
SHILLONG, April 24: The two-day Empathy Art Festival commenced on Thursday at Assam Rifles Public School, Laitkor, Shillong. Organised by Assam Rifles in collaboration with Project Empathy, the festival seeks to promote emotional connection and compassion through the arts. It will culminate with special recognitions such as Most Heartfelt Message, Young Voice of Empathy, Spirit of Collaboration, and Voice of Hope and Healing. Every participating student will be acknowledged for their contribution. Students from 42 Assam Rifles Schools are participating in a range of creative activities at their respective campuses. These include writing postcards and poems, creating both individual and graffiti-style artworks, performing Nukkad Nataks, and taking part in group poetry recitations. A notable aspect of the event is the presence of delegations from seven schools, each representing one of the seven sister states. Each delegation includes eight students from Classes VI to XII and two teachers, all gathered at the host school in Shillong. It is pertinent to note that the Empathy Art Festival is more than just an artistic celebration; it marks the beginning of integrating empathy education into the regular curriculum across all Assam Rifles Public Schools (ARPS). This initiative, developed in partnership with Project Empathy, is based on the belief that empathy is a learnable and practicable skill. The project aims to instil self-respect and respect for others through early emotional engagement and creative expression. The event is expected to draw a diverse audience, including dignitaries, parents, students, and the general public.
Govt urged to raise awareness in rural areas on schemes for PwDs
SHILLONG, April 24: While the state government has rolled out various schemes and initiatives for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), many in rural areas remain unaware of these benefits. Highlighting the gap, Bertha Dkhar, Executive Director of Bethany Society, on Thursday urged the government to raise awareness about these schemes. “PwDs in rural areas are not aware of the schemes and are not receiving the benefits. Therefore, the government must reach out to PwDs in far-flung areas,” she said. Noting that employment continues to be a major challenge for PwDs in Meghalaya, she said the Bethany Society is working on ways to enhance employability for them. Meanwhile, Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, speaking at the ‘Hat Jingkyrsiew’ (Jagruthi Mela) event, announced that the department will soon release Rs 76 lakh for the Bethany Society. He emphasised the department’s commitment to ensuring that PwDs receive the best possible services. The Hat Jingkyrsiew initiative is aimed to connect stakeholders in the disability ecosystem and provide essential information on education, skills training, government schemes and livelihood opportunities for PwDs.
Group moves DSEL for fill-up of vacant posts in WGH schools
TURA, April 24: The All Meghalaya Minority Students’ Union (AMMSU) has written to the DSEL, West Garo Hills, urging the immediate filling of vacant assistant teacher posts in deficit schools across the district, in accordance with the Meghalaya School Service Rule, 2025. “We have observed that several schools, including Rajabala Secondary School, Bhaitbari Secondary School, Jawaharlal Nehru Secondary School, and Janapriya Secondary School, are currently experiencing significant vacancies in teaching staff. As per the Meghalaya School Service Rule, 2025, it is understood that these vacant positions are to be filled exclusively by the Meghalaya Education Recruitment Board (MERB),” AMMSU stated in the letter. The organisation added that classes in these schools are being conducted without sufficient teaching staff, which is ultimately hampering the quality of education and negatively affecting students’ learning outcomes. “The lack of qualified teachers in these institutions is disrupting the academic schedule and leaving students without adequate support and guidance in their studies. The education of our children is of utmost importance, and ensuring that our schools are adequately staffed is vital for fostering an environment conducive to learning and overall development,” said AMMSU president Nur Islam, urging that the vacancies be prioritised and filled at the earliest.
Saleng reviews central schemes
WILLIAMNAGAR, Apr 24: Tura MP Saleng A Sangma on Thursday reviewed the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes during DISHA meeting at Williamnagar Circuit House. The meeting, which was also attended by East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Vibhor Aggarwal, heads of offices and DISHA members of the district, reviewed the implementation of various central schemes under District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Health, Education, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, DCIC, PHE, Health, Agriculture, ICDS, Fisheries PWD, Social Forestry, Water Resources, Soil and Water Conservation, Sericulture, Horticulture, etc. During the meeting, the MP urged government officials to ensure that all schemes reach the intended beneficiaries in the district. The allocation of funds under the central schemes, issues and shortcomings relating to implementation of the schemes were also addressed during the meeting.