AMPATI : In an effort to bring out-of-school children back into mainstream education, the District Administration of South West Garo Hills on Tuesday conducted a re-enrollment drive at Nayapara in Mahendraganj under Zikzak C&RD Block.
Officials informed that 188 school dropout students have been identified in the district so far. The administration is continuing efforts to trace more children who have discontinued their education and encourage them to return to school.
Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills, Kumari Annendya Raajsree, interacted with students and parents during the programme. She urged children to continue their studies, stating that education plays an important role in helping individuals make informed decisions and avoid falling victim to frauds and scams later in life..
Speaking at the event, Torali K. Marak, Block Development Officer of Zikzak C&RD Block, stressed the need for counseling both parents and children together. She said the initiative was jointly conceptualized with Emphul Ch. Marak, SDSEO of Ampati, to motivate dropout students to resume their education.
Assistant Labour Commissioner Leni Bethlen K. Sangma sensitized the gathering on the harmful effects of child labour and highlighted the legal implications of engaging underage children in different forms of work.
District Child Protection Officer Tanweera M. Sangma also addressed the gathering and spoke about teenage pregnancy and its legal consequences.
Read Also : Meghalaya still India’s lowest-ranked State in School Education despite years of reform claims
Earlier, Emphul Ch. Marak thanked all stakeholders, parents, and children for their participation and assured support in helping students reintegrate into the education system.
According to officials, the counseling session received a positive response, with five girls and three boys agreeing to return to school.