Department of School Education on Tuesday organised a one-day training programme on Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) for volunteer teachers, aimed to achieve full literacy across the country.
For the teachers of Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima, the programme was held at Town Hall, Chümoukedima. Delivering the keynote address, T. David Zhimo, District Education Officer (DEO) of Dimapur, highlighted the objective of the programme—to identify and educate illiterate individuals in the three districts as part of a nationwide push toward inclusive education.
A total of 434 teachers—two each from 217 government primary and government middle schools across the districts—were deputed for the mission.
Based on surveys conducted by these volunteer teachers, a total of 1,548 illiterate individuals were identified and enrolled under the ULLAS programme. This included 422 males and 1,126 females, marking a significant step toward the mission’s goal of literacy for all, he added.
The DEO also shed light on the operational challenges, noting the absence of adult education supervisors in the newly created districts of Niuland and Chümoukedima. Currently, the three supervisors stationed in Dimapur are overseeing and monitoring the implementation of the programme across all three districts.
Speech was also delivered by SCERT joint director Keviluozonuo Sekhose, who emphasized the importance of ULLAS in achieving educational inclusivity across age groups.
Sekhose applauded the relentless dedication and hard work of the volunteer teachers and field-level officers who have been the backbone of this mission. She also extended gratitude to the Director of School Education, the HRD Department, and all supporting officials for their constant guidance and support for the success of the programme.
Highlighting the core objectives of ULLAS, Sekhose explained that the initiative aims to significantly increase India’s literacy rate by promoting essential human literacy skills such as reading, writing, and numeracy. More importantly, the programme is designed to equip learners with critical life skills that extend beyond academics, such as financial literacy, digital literacy, legal awareness, healthcare, childcare, family welfare, and more.
At the technical session, “Introduction to ULLAS” and “What is writing” was shared by EBRC Niuland ToT Dr Amihe Swu, “FLN ULLAS” and “What is reading” was shared by UBRC, Kuda CARNE Chishi whereas “Foundation nursery” and ULLAS APP, hands-on-training” was shared by EBRC, Medziphema ToT Alam Jamir. The programme further followed interaction and feedback session.
PEREN: The training programme for volunteer teachers of Peren was held at Peren Town Woman Welfare Organisation (PTWWO) hall, Peren town. The event was graced by additional deputy commissioner, Peren, Keyirangding Hegui as special guest, while TOT EBRC Tening, Dikugong Esalung and TOT EBRC Ahthibung, Puilambale Ndang were the resource persons.
The training is aimed to equipped volunteer teachers with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement ULLAS, a central programme that focuses on lifelong learning for those who have not had the opportunity to attend formal schooling.
ULLAS targets individuals who lack basic literacy and numeracy skills, with a special emphasis on teaching in an easy, conversational manner, distinct from traditional school-based teaching.
The initiative aims to address the alarming illiteracy rates in India, where an estimated 25.6 crore people are illiterate. This initiative is an essential step towards empowering communities and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to improve their quality of life through basic education.
Speaking at the programme, Keyiranding Hegui shared personal reflections on the program’s significance, terming it a new chapter in literacy efforts. “Though the concept of ULLAS is new to many of us, I believe our training and TOTs (Trainers of Trainers) will enlighten us as we move forward with implementation,” he said.
Hegui mentioned that similar program, which succeeded earlier initiatives like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) launched in 2001 and the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) in 2009, began in 2022 and will continue until 2027, adding that the new India literacy program targets individuals aged 15 and above and aims to bridge literacy gaps across the country.
Sharing current literacy statistics, he said while the Nagaland literacy rate stands at 79.55%, Peren district lagged behind at 77.9%. Male literacy in the district is 82.84%, slightly above the state average of 82.75%, while female literacy is at 75.58%, just under the state average of 76.11%.
“There is still a significant portion of our population that remains illiterate. Previously, being literate meant simply being able to sign one’s name, but the definition has evolved to include basic literacy and numeracy,” he said.
He urged the volunteers to take the mission back to their communities and actively involve themselves in reaching out to rural populations. Drawing inspiration from other regions, he cited Ladakh as an example, having achieved a literacy rate of 97%. “With your commitment, our district can also reach such milestones,” he affirmed.
Deputy director, directorate of school education, Thinoneisie Lhousa in his short speech said that having a large number of drop out and illiterate people is a major problem. He said ULLAS, which is a central sponsor scheme are important to solve such problem and called for joint cooperation to make the programme a successful one.
Earlier the programme was chaired by TOT Peren, Pauyirang Sephe, ADEO Peren, Ikiesappe Ilunglung welcomed the gatherings. The programme was structured into two sessions: Theory class and practical session, where 87 teachers from 87 government schools under Peren district attended the programme.
Kiphire: The training for Kiphire and Pungro block was conducted at EBRC hall Kiphire.
ADC Kiphire, Longtiba L Sangtam, in his speech, encouraged the teachers to help their people study and put their effort into education.
He said teachers have been tasked with extra work for ULLAS, and urged the attendees to take on the responsibility and assist their peers.
Highlighting ULLAS, deputy director and Nodal Officer for A/E Kohima, Rokozeho Sothu, said multiple initiatives have been implemented by the government of India to eliminate illiteracy in the country.
He informed that India is planning to achieve 100% literacy by 2030 and ULLAS was one initiative to educate the people of India.
He said that this program should not view it solely as a program, but rather as a mission.
District Education Officer, Kiyeshi Sema delivered welcome address while ADEO T.Lirila Sangtam pronounce vote of thanks.
The master trainers of the training were TOT, EBRC Kiphire, C.Atsaba Sangtam and TOT, EBRC Pungro, M.S.Birimong. The programme was chaired by LDA Throngpise David.