Guwahati, Jan 16 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K. Sangma, announced on Saturday that the state Cabinet has sanctioned the implementation of Community-Integrated Skill Learning (CISL) as an integral component of the curriculum for students in Classes VI to X. This marks a pivotal transformation in school education, aimed at fostering a more experiential and socially relevant learning environment.

Currently, Health and Physical Education is offered as the sixth subject for these classes, but its focus largely remains on theoretical aspects, centered around health and physical activities.

To enhance the subject’s relevance and practicality, the Cabinet has opted to incorporate CISL within the existing educational framework.

This innovative approach will motivate students to identify and learn practical skills that align with their personal interests and their family or community backgrounds.

The skills will encompass traditional professions, local practices, and community-based knowledge, enabling students to gain insights directly from their social surroundings.

For instance, if a student’s family is involved in agriculture, they may choose to acquire farming skills from their parents.

Likewise, skills practiced by extended family members or those prevalent in the local community can also be selected.

Students will not only observe but also actively engage in learning, practicing, and demonstrating their chosen skills as part of their assessment.

The Chief Minister emphasized that this initiative brings numerous long-term benefits. From a skill development standpoint, CISL will equip students with practical abilities that could benefit them in their future personal or professional endeavors.

Moreover, while students are not obligated to pursue the same careers as their parents, this approach enhances the probability of preserving, honoring, and valuing traditional family and community livelihoods.

CM Sangma also pointed out the social aspect of the program, mentioning that since CISL will play a crucial role in academic evaluation, it will promote increased interaction and collaboration between students and their families.

This initiative, he noted, will not only strengthen family ties but also foster a sense of collective responsibility in the educational journey.

Describing CISL as a groundbreaking initiative by the Education Department, the Chief Minister stated that this program aims to close the gap between classroom instruction and real-world skills, boost community involvement in education, and create a significant social impact by merging education with lived experiences.