AIZAWL: In a heartening display of humanitarian commitment, Mizoram, a northeastern state in India, has opened its doors to displaced and refugee children, providing them with education and a sense of belonging. Over 8,000 children hailing from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and strife-torn Manipur have found solace in Mizoram's schools.
Lalchhandama Ralte, the Minister of School Education in Mizoram, shared that this initiative has brought together 6,366 students from Myanmar, 250 from Bangladesh, and 1,503 internally displaced children from Manipur. Acting in accordance with government regulations, these young learners are not only receiving an education but are also being provided with essential resources such as school uniforms, textbooks, and nourishing mid-day meals, mirroring the support extended to local students.
Minister Ralte emphasized the government's dedication to offering education to refugee children and those affected by internal displacement. He underlined Mizoram's stance as a nationalist government that seeks to unify the diverse Zo tribes worldwide. This philosophy of inclusivity is particularly evident in the state's education sector. According to Ralte, this commitment extends beyond mere shelter, encompassing the provision of education to those in need.
The results speak for themselves. In 2022, 44 refugee children registered for the class-10 board examination. Of these, 31 brave students took the exam, with an impressive 28 of them successfully passing, achieving a commendable pass percentage of 90.32.
This dedication to education has also yielded remarkable growth in enrollment within government schools over the past four years. The numbers tell a story of progress: 1,15,005 students were enrolled in the 2019-20 academic year, which increased to 1,19,133 in 2020-21, and further surged to 1,28,927 in the 2021-22 academic year.
Efforts are ongoing to provide quality education and prioritize the inclusion of Mizo language learning within the curriculum. This move not only preserves the region's cultural identity but also enriches the educational experience for all students.
In a world often divided by boundaries and conflicts, Mizoram's approach stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how education can transcend challenges and serve as a bridge to unity and brighter futures.
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