Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 121/12

SSA MEGHALAYA AND ARK INDIA TO LAUNCH ASPIRE

Shillong, April 9, 2012: To improve the quality of learning in primary schools for children coming from low income families of Meghalaya, the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Meghalaya and Absolute Return for Kids-India (ARK) will launch ASPIRE (Allow Synthetic Phonics to Improve Results in English) on April 11, 2012 at the Shillong Public School, Laitumkhrah, Shillong at 2:30 PM.

This programme is part of SSA’s Leaning Enhancement Initiative in 50 SSA supported Schools on a pilot basis for Class I teachers during academic year 2012-13 in East Khasi Hills District. This initiative in partnership with ARK, an international children’s charity working in the realm of improved quality and access in school education, aims to strengthen the English reading, writing and speaking foundation of children belonging to outlying schools by providing them with a realistic chance to perform better in the language.

The programme is initially being implemented in 50 schools of Mawphlang, Mawryngkneng, Mylliem, Shillong Municipal and Cantonment Blocks in East Khasi Hills District. The programme currently uses three globally recognized tools for English language delivery-Jolly Phonic, Genki English and Read Write Inc. ARK-India will support the pilot with material, teacher training and rigorous monitoring and evaluation processes specifically addressing the needs of Meghalaya schools.

Press Release No. 122/12

WORKSHOP ON IBDLP HELD AT JOWAI

Shillong, April 9, 2012: As part of the observation of the Basin Development week in the State, the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Jaintia Hills, Basin Development Unit, organised a one day workshop cum seminar on April 5, 2012 at Nan Kashari, near the DC’s Office, Jowai. The Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Programme (IBDLP) is a flagship programme of the Government of Meghalaya aimed to promote optimal and effective development and utilization of basin resources for ensuring livelihood security and inclusive growth within the framework of sustainable development besides aiming at creating livelihood opportunities for the grass root level stakeholders.

Speaking at the inaugural function, Dr. R.C Laloo, Education Minister said that to have a sustainable growth, dedication to the mission from the line department is needed. He urged all the line departments to have a missionary spirit for the smooth implementation of this programme. Mr. L. Sumer, CEM, JHADC speaking as a guest of honour, called upon the public to be entrepreneurs’ instead of waiting for subsidy or grants from the Government, and called upon the public to walk hand in hand with the Government to eradicate poverty through the Basin Development & Livelihood Programme to be implemented in the District.

Earlier while delivering the key note address, Mr. T. Dkhar, Deputy Commissioner, Jaintia Hills said that the workshop is organised to make the public aware and to highlight the insight visions of the programme. Being a programme for the rural it is expected to bring a massive change in the livelihood of the people but needs the cooperation of the public to eradicate poverty, he added. He informed that the first set of the 100 village had been forward to the State Basin Development for approval and sanction to start the plan at village level. He urged all the line departments to work in convergence and have a mission for the success of the programme. He also informed that the Government of Meghalaya under the leadership of Dr. Mukul Sangma has announced a scheme for women known as the Women Economic Empowerment through financial inclusion where under this scheme Rs. 5000/- will be provided to women as a means of saving and security deposit. Under this scheme a total of Rs. 3.30 cores have been sanctioned for the district with 6610 beneficiaries. Mr. L. Rymbui, MLA, said the development of the state and district depends on the cooperation of the public. The IBDLP is a scheme for all, and urged each and everyone to a have missionary spirit for the development of the Basin programme in the District.

Later in the day, session on Governance & Financial Inclusions, Entrepreneurship, Rural Livelihood & Food Security and Energy, Water Security & Climate Change was highlighted by different line departments.