Morung Express News
Tuensang | April 9
A one-day training programme for volunteer teachers under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative, organised by the Department of School Education was held at the Town Hall in Tuensang on April 8.
Delivering the keynote address, I Toshi Ao, State Programme Coordinator, highlighted the urgent need for action in Tuensang, which, according to the 2011 Census, has the third-highest number of illiterates in Nagaland — a total of 32,420. He said that the ULLAS scheme, launched by the Ministry of Education, targets non-literates aged 15 years and above, and aims to bring them into the fold of basic education through volunteer-driven efforts.
“A comprehensive door-to-door survey has already been conducted, and classes will begin soon with the support of Volunteer Teachers,” he said. These classes will cover basic education, foundational literacy and numeracy, and critical life skills. Upon completion, learners will be eligible to take the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) under the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to receive certification.
Toshi urged volunteers and educators to work collectively and help Tuensang lead the state in achieving full literacy. “Let us strive to make Tuensang the first district in Nagaland to achieve full literacy, and set an example for the rest of the state and country,” he said.
Special guest Litrongla Tongpi Rutsa, Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang, emphasised the importance of education in a world increasingly dependent on modern technology. She encouraged volunteer teachers to make the most of the ULLAS initiative, pledging full cooperation and support from the district administration. “To access today’s opportunities, one must be literate. Volunteer teachers play a key role in the upliftment of society,” she said.
Earlier, the event was chaired by Likhumse Sangtam, Supervisor of Adult Education, with an invocation delivered by Changsang, pastor of Police Baptist Church DEF Tuensang. S Mongtsoa, Adult Education in-charge from the District Education Office, welcomed the participants, followed by an introductory session and the screening of an awareness video by Tongjen Shio, Trainer of Trainers (TOT) from EBRC Hakushang. The vote of thanks was delivered by R Nokrenba Chang, Supervisor of Adult Education under the District Education Office.
The event continued with training sessions led by educational resource teams from Noklak, Shamator, Noksen, Longkhim Chare, and Sangsangnyu blocks.
