By Ibanriakor D Pakma
I would like to express my agreement with Patricia Mukhim’s article, “Stop Playing the Fool With Education: It’s Weighing Us Down,” published on June 19 last. Her article highlights the harsh reality of Meghalaya’s education system, and after visiting a few government schools across different districts in our state, I can say that her concerns are real.
As part of a research project focusing on adolescent wellbeing, I had the opportunity to visit some government schools in different districts of Meghalaya. These visits were both eye-opening, thought-provoking and heart-rending too. During one visit to a school in one of the districts, I witnessed a recurring pattern that made me question the state of our education system. We interacted with students from diverse backgrounds, and the experience revealed challenges that go far beyond the classroom. It exposed educational inequality, limited aspirations, and deeply rooted social attitudes that continue to affect the lives of many young people in our state.
As someone who strongly believes in women’s empowerment, it deeply saddened me to hear children speak as though their dreams were already limited before they had the chance to explore their potential. During one discussion, when students were asked what they hoped to become, several adolescents expressed the desire to complete only the lower levels of education before settling into traditional domestic roles. It made me wonder what messages are being instilled into their minds that discourage them from dreaming bigger. Why do so many children hesitate to imagine themselves becoming doctors, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, researchers, or leaders? Is it because they are unaware of the many career opportunities available to them? Or have they already come to believe that such professions are “not for people like us?” Education and wellbeing are closely linked. While many government initiatives are important steps towards promoting adolescent mental wellbeing, they also remind us that emotional wellbeing cannot be separated from educational opportunity. A child who is not encouraged to learn, dream, and believe in their own potential is unlikely to develop the confidence and resilience needed to thrive.
The educational challenges were equally alarming. Many students in Classes 6, 7, and 8 struggled with concepts and skills that should have been mastered much earlier. The gaps in foundational learning were clear. As students move into higher classes, these gaps become even more difficult to overcome. Many lose confidence, struggle academically, and are unable to keep up with the expected standard. Patricia Mukhim rightly pointed out that poor governance, lack of accountability, and weak implementation have contributed to the decline of education in our state.
My brief encounters with the educational experiences in these schools has opened my eyes to the many deficits plaguing our educational system.If we don’t address these deficiencies upfront, we cannot expect change to happen. The issue is not that our students lack talent or determination. The issue is that they have not been given the support, quality teaching, and opportunities they deserve. Another concerning observation was the difficulty many students face simply in reaching school. During our visits, we met students who walked long distances, often crossing two or three villages each day to attend classes. Such journeys are physically exhausting and inevitably affect attendance, punctuality, and learning. In this regard, I fully support Patricia Mukhim’s suggestion to extend reliable school bus services to remote areas. Access to education begins with access to schools.
Our children deserve more than classrooms that merely exist. They deserve classrooms that inspire them to dream, learn, and succeed. I hope the Education Department and all concerned authorities take these concerns seriously and work towards meaningful change. The future of Meghalaya depends on the education we provide today. It is also important at this juncture for communities that either benefit from local schools or whose children show a lack of interest in attending their schools. Silence is no longer golden in Meghalaya’s education sector. The Government will only act if there are public discussions and voices of concern regarding the matter. Education must become the sine qua non of Meghalaya’s political economy. It’s now or never.
(The writer is Student Council President, Martin Luther Christian University).
