The ongoing turmoil in Manipur has resulted in thousands of children being internally displaced, residing with their parents in various relief camps for almost eight months.
It is a clear cut fact that despite the government's initiative allowing these displaced children to enroll in nearby schools, the challenging conditions within the relief camps pose significant obstacles for their education and well-being.
In the midst of all these tensions and problems, the Lamjing Meira Maheikol, a private school in Saiton, Bishnupur district has emerged as a beacon of hope, extending a lifeline to over 90 displaced children since September.
Despite government initiatives allowing displaced children to enroll in nearby schools, Lamjing Meira Maheikol has taken a step further by opening its doors to the displaced children.
Nestled amid the vulnerability of the conflict zone, this school not only provides a safe haven by camping them inside the school's campus but also offers a platform for holistic development under the supervision of the district administration.
The special camp, initiated by the school, has become a ray of hope for the displaced children who, amidst the chaos and uncertainties, have found solace within the confines of education besides getting good nutritional diets.
Beyond the conventional classroom teachings, the school is taking a progressive approach by incorporating skill development training into the curriculum.
(PHOTO: IFP)
Students are engaged in activities such as crafting pens, handcrafting stools, creating incense sticks, mastering waste bottling processes and cultivating gardening skills, all aimed at fostering a sense of work culture and self-sufficiency.
In an exclusive interview with the Imphal Free Press, the school principal Phanjoubam Ramesh expressed his commitment to providing not just education but a holistic support system for these displaced students.
He said, “We believe in providing practical skills that go hand-in-hand with formal education. Our vocational training programs, such as crafting pens, handcrafting stools, and other activities, are designed to instil a sense of work culture and self-sufficiency. By doing so, we aim to empower these children to face future challenges with confidence.”
He maintained that the school’s primary goal is to create a conducive environment for these children, ensuring not only their academic growth but also imparting practical skills that can empower them in the long run.
“We aspire to continue combining education with practical skills, fostering an environment where these children not only rebuild their lives but also contribute positively to their communities. Our vision is to empower them for a brighter tomorrow,” he added.
The displaced children, now camping at the school as boarders, radiate a sense of comfort and security that transcends the turmoil of their current circumstances.
The vocational training not only equips them with practical skills but also instills a sense of purpose and confidence in their abilities.
The students proudly display their handcrafted pens, stools, and other creations, showcasing not only their newfound skills but also the resilience that education provides in the face of adversity.
A five standard student, Anandi shared her experience, "This school feels like a second home. We are not just learning from books but also discovering our abilities through various activities.”
“After all, the atmosphere here makes us forget the chaos outside. It's a blessing in disguise," she added.
Interestingly some of the displaced students in this boarding school have already mastered different skills such as making pen covers, handicraft tools and incense sticks which they learn during their stay in normal relief camps.
Their skills were imparted to other students, and now most of the students have developed the skills to make those items, amidst guidance by the wife of the principal and other teachers.
The school's initiative has garnered support from various quarters, including parents who, while residing in other relief camps, commend the efforts taken to ensure their children's well-being.
As the students immerse themselves in skill-building exercises, the campus buzzes with creativity and enthusiasm.
The school's approach aligns with the larger vision of rebuilding lives and communities affected by conflict.
By combining education with practical skills, the school aims to empower these displaced children to become self-reliant individuals capable of overcoming the challenges that lie ahead.
In the pursuit of a brighter future for these young minds, the Lamjing Meira Maheikol stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and compassion.
As the camp continues to evolve, it serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even in the darkest times, the light of knowledge and skill can guide displaced children towards a better tomorrow.
However the students eagerly await a return to normalcy in the state, longing to reunite with their families and friends at home. After all there is nothing better than being at home.
