International Literacy Day observed

MLA Nemcha Kipgen lighting the candle to open
the International Literacy Day observation.

KANGPOKPI, Sept.8: District Level International Literacy Day was celebrated today at Kangpokpi Community Hall near Brig. M. Thomas Ground, Kangpokpi under the theme of Literacy for Peace.

The celebration function was organized jointly by SRC, NEHU Shillong and District Level Samiti, Senapati.

Smt. Nemcha Kipgen, MLA Kangpokpi AC, Shri. H. Rupachandra Singh, Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Kangpokpi and Shri. Chonkam Kipgen, Chairman Kangpokpi Town Committee graced the celebration function as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively.

Member Secretary of District Level Samiti, Senapati Ibocha Singh, Block Co-ordinators from Saitu, Saikul and Kangpokpi including State Literacy Mission Authority officials also participated in the celebration function.

While delivering a short speech in connection with the celebration Smt. Nemcha Kipgen congratulate all those who have won awards for their excellent implementation of the literacy advancement programmes. The many teachers and volunteers in mission who are making substantial contributions to education also deserve appreciation said Nemcha Kipgen.

She also said that literacy is the key to good health and well being. Basic education, within which literacy is the key learning tool, was recognized as a human right in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights over 50 years ago added Nemcha Kipgen.

She further said that when a large number of the population remains outside the pale of literacy and education, it makes the task of development more complex and daunting. Eradicating illiteracy is important for the success of our efforts to eradicate poverty and ignorance. It must be ensured that future generations become educated by proper implementation and monitoring of this programme.

The MLA also said that it is also a matter of concern that the male-female gap in literacy rates continues to be unacceptably high. It is important that in schools, girls must get equal opportunity to study and acquire necessary skills and knowledge. Specific education programmes, with targets, should be launched for education of girls.

She concluded with the confident that with the efforts of the Saakshar Bharat Mission Gandhiji’s dream of eradicating the scourge of illiteracy and our goal of creating a knowledge society will be very much within our reach.

Speaking on the sideline of the celebration function, Mr. Lalgougin Misao, Resource Person of Saakshar Bharat Mission Kangpokpi block said that, Saakshar Bharat Mission is one of the flagships from programme of UPA Govt. There are only two model centre of Saakshar Bharat Mission in Manipur. One in Thoubal District and the other one in Kangpokpi, Sadar Hills Senapati District. Model Centre of Saakshar Bharat Mission, Kangpokpi Block was launched on 2nd Oct. 2011 by SRC, Nehu Shillong with the aim to eradicated illiteracy in the district.

Misao further said that, there are 30 Adult Education Centre in Kangpokpi Block and 6257 learners got enrollment with 620 Volunteer Teacher got engaged. He also said that, under the aegis of SRC, Nehu Shillong many skill development training were conducted alternatively in the centres.