TURA: The statistics are here for all to see; 30.2% in 2016, 30% in 2017, 34% in 2018 and a bare minimum increase of 2 percent, in 2019 in Garo Hills. The consistency in the pass percentages in Garo Hills in the SSLC examinations is alarming!
This dismal pass percentage adds to the irony that Garo Hills for the last four years or more has also had its share of toppers in the state.
Stakeholders can no longer afford to be complacent, be they parents, guardians or teachers. To blame the children alone would be mere conventional wisdom which has almost become passé.
Talking to The Shillong Times the heads of three reputed schools in Tura whose students figured in the list of toppers voiced their concern and suggested remedial measures to stem the trend.
Sister Maria D’Silva, Headmistress of St. Xavier’s School in Tura, while elaborating on the malaise emphasised on the role of parents who she says need to understand the importance of education and cooperate in the learning process.
“Parents, communities and institutions need to be fellow facilitators in the education project,” said Sister Maria whose school, one of the oldest in Tura, has steadfastly contributed to the cause of education in Garo Hills.
Tyrone D’Brass, headmaster of Sherwood School which has since its inception, consistently produced toppers year after year takes a more stern view of the situation. He strongly feels that addiction to social media distracts the students and makes them lose focus.
“Any technology when misused or used in an irresponsible manner will definitely have repercussions,” stated the concerned headmaster.
Headmaster Ujjwal Sen of Embee Rosebud School whose student topped the list of SSLC toppers this year, attributed the reason to parenting. He also said that just like parents, teachers too need to be accountable as teaching is a rigorous process.
An optimistic Mr headmaster Mr Sen said that the schools are great levellers where the divide between high and low, rich and poor disappear. Teachers need to update themselves and constantly be on the toes, believes Sen.
As teaching is more about moulding the mind, he said, “physical confinement is hardly a deterrent, it is the mind which must be kindled to seek, explore and learn.”
All said and done the moot question is “is anybody listening?” The answer as they say is “Blowing in the wind.”
