One-Day Symposium Explores Education Needs and Opportunities in Garo Hills.
A one-day symposium titled "Needs and Opportunities in Education in Garo Hills" was held on 26th April 2024 at the Don Bosco College Conference Hall in Tura. The event aimed to discuss and formulate actionable plans to enhance the quality of education and develop a better learning curriculum for students in the Garo Hills region. Organized jointly by Don Bosco College, Tura, and Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), Shillong, the symposium brought together experts and stakeholders in the field of education.
The symposium's agenda encompassed a comprehensive analysis of the current educational landscape, identifying challenges, and areas requiring improvement. Strategies to promote quality education, inclusivity, and digital literacy were also deliberated upon.
Keynote speaker Shri Jagadish Chelani IAS, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, Tura, emphasized the importance of a mentorship model, suggesting that successful institutions could mentor struggling colleges and schools. He provided insights into plans and schemes aimed at enhancing education in Garo Hills.
Prof. T. K. Kharbamon, Vice Chancellor of MLCU, Shillong, discussed the significance of Planning based on Knowledge, Practice, Pedagogy, and Personal Values and beliefs (the 3Ps). Viola Sonachi B Sangma, Dean of ICFAI University, highlighted the role of culture and tradition in education. Dr. Shiny Ch Sangma, Deputy COE of HS Branch, MBOSE, focused on the school education scenario in Meghalaya, specifically in Garo Hills.
Other notable presentations included Jemimah Marak's insights on the need for creative education spaces and activities in rural regions, Dr. Uma Roy Bhowmik's discussion on fostering a culture of research and innovation in higher education, and Fr Bivan Rodriques Mukhim's elucidation of challenges faced by Heads of Schools in Garo Hills.
Balmuri K Marak, Deputy COE of HS Branch, MBOSE, presented a paper on the scope of career counseling, while Dr. Barbara S Sangma and Dr. Dokatchi Ch Marak focused on education, cultural integration, and the importance of language in imparting education, respectively.
The symposium concluded with a general discussion where participants outlined actionable plans to be presented to the government. These plans aim to bring about a transformative change in the education landscape of Garo Hills, addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities for holistic educational development.
