Training Under Adolescence Education Programme Held

GUWAHATI, Sept 15: Assam State AIDS Control Society (ASACS) in collaboration with Department of Elementary & Secondary Education and State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT) conducted a re-orientation training for the Principals of District Institute of Education & Training and Inspector of Schools under Adolescence Education Programme (AEP) at the Conference Hall of State Institute of Health & Family Welfare, Assam, Khanapara here on September 15.

Welcoming the participants to the training, Commissioner and Secretary to the Govt of Assam, Anurag Goel said, “Adolescence Education Programme, which was initiated by the Govt of India in 2005 is one of the most vital programmes for the youths. Therefore, it is our prime responsibility to teach our youth the importance of safe behaviour.”

He further said that every selected school should have a male and female teacher for implementation of the AEP Programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner and Secretary to the Govt of Assam, Department of Elementary & Secondary Education, Preetom Saikia said “We must take the Adolescence Education Programme forward and carry the HIV/AIDS message to the students. Therefore, teachers have to teach properly with all sincerity and dedication.” He further said that SCERT curriculum must be developed and new chapters should be introduced and the right information must be given to the students.

Senior Lecturer of SCERT, Dr Jayanta Madhab Bora, who is also the resource person of the adolescence programme, said that it is appreciable that most of the districts of our state have effectively implemented the Adolescence Education Programme since its inception in the year in 2005.

He also explained the AEP curriculum at length to the participants and highlighted on various aspects of the curriculum for successful implementation of the programme in the districts.

Director of State Council of Educational Research & Training (SCERT), Dr Nirada Devi in her speech said, “Education and health go hand in hand. It is not only the sexual behaviour of the youth but also other behaviors like drug abuse must be the prime focus of the programme. There was a time when we, as teachers used to listen whatever our teachers say. But today lots of teaching technique has to be applies to earn the attention of the students.”

Education must be linked with the activities of the day to day life and knowledge should not only be confined to text books and examination. She also stressed on the review of SCERT curriculum and said that SCERT must be involved in the district level trainings.