Students in Meghalaya’s classes 6 to 10 are in for an exciting upgrade, as the state government approves a groundbreaking community-integrated skill learning program. Designed to make education more practical and job-oriented, this move integrates local community talents into school routines, offering a fresh alternative to outdated syllabi.
The initiative will introduce modules on traditional weaving, beekeeping, drone technology, financial literacy, and eco-tourism management, all taught by community experts. It’s a direct response to surveys showing 70% of graduates lacking basic employable skills. Schools will dedicate 4-6 hours weekly to these sessions, blending them seamlessly with core subjects.
At the launch event in the capital, Minister Rymbui called it ‘education reimagined for the 21st century.’ Phase one targets 200 schools, with assessments via project-based evaluations rather than exams. Partnerships with bodies like NSDC and local SHGs ensure standardized training and micro-credentials for students.
Community leaders and academics applaud the inclusivity, noting benefits for Scheduled Tribes comprising 86% of the population. It also tackles dropout rates by making learning engaging. With a ₹75 crore war chest and tech platforms for virtual skill-sharing, scalability looks promising.
Potential pitfalls like uneven community participation are being addressed through incentives and awareness drives. Meghalaya’s bold step not only equips students for local opportunities but also global markets, heralding a skilled, confident future workforce.