A stakeholder consultation meeting of the District Committee for Lighthouse Schools (LCS) under the NECTAR Project was held in the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Dimapur on January 21, 2025.

The meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, NCS, highlighted the selection of Dimapur Higher Secondary School, Nagarjan, Dimapur for the project. In his address, Chang welcomed members and representatives, expressing optimism about the transformative impact of the initiative. He assured that full cooperation would be extended to ensure the project’s successful implementation and timely completion.

Deputy Project Director, NEP-(NECTAR), Avelu Ruho, explained that the Lighthouse Schools Project aims to improve governance, teaching practices, and learning environments in government schools. She emphasized the project’s significance as the first World Bank-funded education initiative in Northeast India, highlighting key milestones such as its proposal in 2019, approval in 2020, and implementation starting in 2021. Ruho outlined key components, including system management improvements, teaching enhancements, and technical assistance, and urged stakeholders to actively support the initiative for its success.

Ruho also stressed that the project, funded by the World Bank for five years, seeks to address specific challenges in Nagaland’s education system, such as enhancing school governance, improving teaching practices, and creating better learning environment. Ruho also stressed the importance of community involvement and urged stakeholders to contribute to the project’s successful implementation.

Social Associate, Ransom Lungleng presented the environmental and social aspects of the project. The meeting also reviewed the layout plan for the school, including the academic block and hostels for boys and girls.

The meeting was attended by district heads and representatives from various civil society organizations.

(I.Tiakumla.Ao, IA Dimapur)