Ampati, May 26: The District Administration of South West Garo Hills conducted a re-enrollment drive for school dropout students at Nayapara, Mahendraganj under Zikzak C&RD Block on Tuesday with the aim of bringing out-of-school children back into mainstream education.
According to official sources, the district has identified 188 school dropout students so far, while efforts are still underway to identify more children who have discontinued their studies and facilitate their return to school.
Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills, Kumari Annendya Raajsree, IAS, interacted personally with the students and parents present during the programme and encouraged the children to resume their education.
She emphasized that education would help them make informed decisions in life and protect them from frauds and scams as they advance to higher classes.
Speaking at the programme, Smt. Torali K. Marak, MCS, Block Development Officer of Zikzak C&RD Block, highlighted the importance of counseling both parents and children together. The initiative, she informed, was jointly conceptualized with Shri Emphul Ch. Marak, SDSEO of Ampati, to motivate dropout students to return to school.
Smt. Leni Bethlen K. Sangma, Assistant Labour Commissioner, sensitized the gathering on the harmful effects and legal implications of child labour, particularly the engagement of underage children in various forms of work.
Smt. Tanweera M. Sangma, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), also addressed the gathering and spoke on issues related to teenage pregnancy and its legal consequences.
Earlier, Shri Emphul Ch. Marak, incharge SDSEO, thanked all stakeholders, parents, and children for their participation and assured support in helping students reintegrate into mainstream education.
The programme witnessed a positive response, with five girls and three boys reportedly agreeing to return to school following the counseling session.
