PASIGHAT, Nov 14: The Department of Education of Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, has concluded a week-long community engagement programme at Mechuka in Shi-Yomi district, focusing on educational awareness, career guidance and the rights of children in remote areas.
The programme, held from November 8 to 14, involved MA Education third-semester students under the supervision of Dr Kaling Moyong, Assistant Professor in the Department of Education. It aimed to extend educational outreach beyond the university campus while providing students with practical field experience.
As part of the initiative, the team conducted educational and career counselling sessions in government schools across Mechuka, sensitising students to higher education opportunities, career options, vocational education and skill development, with emphasis on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The team also interacted with government school teachers to understand teaching-learning practices, available facilities and challenges faced by educational institutions in remote areas. Key aspects of NEP 2020, including experiential learning, competency-based education, inclusive education and skill development, were also discussed.
A village-level awareness campaign was subsequently conducted from Segong to Dorjeeling and other settlements to sensitise parents and villagers about the provisions of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. The team explained children's entitlement to free and compulsory education between six and 14 years of age, besides provisions relating to admission, school infrastructure, qualified teachers, pupil-teacher ratios and protection from physical punishment and harassment.
The importance of School Management Committees in ensuring effective implementation of the Act was also highlighted. Several villagers reportedly said they were previously unaware of these provisions. Local representatives GPC Lera Onge and GPM Mindu Naksang appreciated the initiative and called for regular awareness programmes.The programme also provided students an opportunity to learn about the traditional lifestyles, indigenous knowledge systems and livelihood practices of local communities, besides exploring Mechuka's tourism potential through homestays and local entrepreneurship. The team visited prominent tourist destinations on the concluding day.
At the concluding interaction, SDAO and BDO-cum-Protocol Officer Norbu Naksang appreciated Vice-Chancellor Professor Ashan Riddi, Registrar Narmi Darang and Dr Kaling Moyong for facilitating the initiative. Emphasising the importance of experiential education, he advocated a learning approach comprising 70 per cent practical exposure and 30 per cent theoretical instruction.
Dr Moyong said education should not remain confined to classrooms but must reach every section of society, adding that its true purpose was to disseminate knowledge, enlighten people and bring positive social change.
The department expressed gratitude to the university authorities, school authorities, teachers, local representatives, district administration, village leaders and the people of Mechuka for their cooperation in making the programme successful.