Tura, May 25: Captain Williamson Sangma State University (CWSSU), Meghalaya, in collabora on with the Interna onal College of Payap University, Chiang Mai, Thailand, successfully concluded a two-day Interna onal Academic Workshop on “Human Resource Development and Design Thinking for School Improvement in Tribal and Rural Contexts.”
Held on May 21–22, the workshop created a meaningful space for educators, students, and academic experts to reflect on the reali es of educa on in rural and tribal communi es and explore prac cal ways to strengthen schools in underserved areas.
Although the international speakers joined virtually, CWSSU brought together 41 percipients physically on campus, including MA Educa on students and faculty members from affiliated colleges across Meghalaya.
The interactive sessions encouraged percipients to openly discuss challenges faced by schools in remote areas, including teacher shortages, limited resources, language barriers, and community engagement.
The programme was inaugurated by CWSSU Vice Chancellor Dr. Vasanthi Vijayakumar, who emphasized the importance of building global academic partnerships that contribute to local educa onal development.
Dr. Patchara, Dean of the Interna onal College, Payap University, highlighted how collabora ons across countries can help educators learn from one another’s experiences and solu ons.
The workshop featured sessions by two interna onally recognized scholars from the United States. Dr. Brian Perkinsfrom Teachers College, Columbia University, introduced par cipants to design thinking approaches that place students and communi es at the center of school improvement.
Dr. Oliver “Ozzie” Crocco from Louisiana State University spoke on human resource development, focusing on suppor ng teachers, leadership growth, and professional learning in challenging educa onal environments.
Par cipants described the workshop as engaging and relevant, as many of the discussions reflected the reali es they encounter in their own schools and communi es.
The event was jointly coordinated by Dr. Geetam Chetry, Dr. Kanika Das, and Shri Deiborme Lyngdoh from the Department of Educa on, CWSSU, along with Dr. Chiche from Payap University.
Both ins tu ons expressed hope that this collabora on would lead to future research partnerships, faculty exchanges, and con nued dialogue on improving educa on in tribal and marginalized communi es across South and Southeast Asia.
