From darkness to light, night schools at Kohima village under the aegis of Kohima Village Students’ Union (KVSU) provide a ray of hope for children, besides ensuring their welfare and safeguarding their rights.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, KVSU general secretary Albert Rutsa said the night schools were started in the early 1980s with the aim of offering equal learning opportunities for all so that each student could realise his or her potential and contribute to the growth of society.
He said instructors and teachers at the schools gave special attention to every student and provided guidance based on his or her abilities for all-round development. He mentioned that there were four night schools at the village that provided free tuition to all students, regardless of their economic background, and a space where they could freely express themselves.
He claimed that the schools were easy to access for students of all categories. While two night schools operated in the government school building, one ran at a public library and the other at a community hall.
Rutsa stated that the average student-to-teacher ratio was 10:1 – altogether 122 teachers guiding 275 students. The schools functioned five days a week at least two hours on each working day. The tuition timing was extended during examinations so that extra care and attention could be given to the students. The schools also served as training centres for many fresh graduates who aimed to join teaching profession.
The schools were currently managed and administered with the contribution of the community, organisations and individuals. KVSU and its units also conducted fundraisers to meet the expenses and keep the schools running.
Talking on the major constraints, Rutsa acknowledged that funding was the most challenging part and said student activities had to be cut sometimes due to this.
It may be noted that the night schools have an excellent track record and have been registering good pass percentage over the years in all board exams and regularly producing toppers and subject toppers in the State Board examination, the latest being Viwenuo Suohu who was a topper in both HSLC (2020) and HSSLC (2022).
Rutsa admitted that a lot of students struggled with their notes during Covid-19 pandemic as classes were held online and the notes were sent through WhatsApp and other means. Hence, the night schools had to help the students by taking printouts and opened libraries so that students could refer to the books and also clear their doubts.
Besides, learning within the four walls of the classrooms, various activities like literary events, movie nights, exposure trips, personality development activities, etc, are held throughout the year so that the students got the opportunity to explore their talents and gather experiences. Awards are given to meritorious students and teachers for their services.
Wednesday, July 9, 2025