In a landmark decision aimed at bridging the gap between education and employability, the Meghalaya government has given the green light to a community-integrated skill learning program for students from classes 6 to 10. This initiative promises to revolutionize school education by embedding practical, hands-on skills into the curriculum, drawing directly from local community expertise.
The program, officially titled Community-Integrated Skill Learning (CISL), will see students engaging in real-world skill development sessions led by local artisans, farmers, entrepreneurs, and traditional craftsmen. Subjects like bamboo crafting, organic farming, basic coding, digital literacy, and vocational trades will be taught alongside regular academics. The move addresses long-standing concerns over rote learning and lack of job-ready skills among Meghalaya’s youth.
Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui announced the approval during a press conference in Shillong, emphasizing that the program aligns with the National Education Policy 2020. ‘Our children need skills that make them self-reliant and contribute to the state’s economy. By integrating community wisdom, we’re creating a holistic learning ecosystem,’ he stated. Pilot implementations will begin in 50 government schools across the state next academic year, with full rollout planned by 2025.
Stakeholders have welcomed the decision. Local NGOs and parent-teacher associations hailed it as a step towards inclusive education, particularly for rural and tribal students who often drop out due to irrelevant curricula. The program includes teacher training modules and partnerships with skill development councils to ensure quality and certification. Funding will come from state budgets, CSR contributions, and central schemes like Samagra Shiksha.
Challenges ahead include infrastructure upgrades in remote areas and ensuring gender parity in skill enrollment. However, with Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage and community-driven ethos, experts predict high success rates. This initiative positions the state as a model for skill-infused education in Northeast India, potentially inspiring neighboring states.