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As part of the NEP Multi Skill Education Pilot, a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop on the Multi-Sector Approach to Vocational Education for Grades 9 and 10 was successfully conducted from 6th May to 8th May 2025 at the SCERT SIEMAT Hall, Kohima, organized by Lend A Hand India, as the technical and knowledge partner of Samagra Shiksha, the workshop aimed to build teacher capacity for delivering skill-based education aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023.

The pilot is sponsored by LIC Housing Finance (LIC HFL), as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Their invaluable support has made it possible to introduce this innovative vocational education initiative in the state.

The training brought together vocational teachers and officials from across Nagaland to explore a multi-sectoral model of vocational education, focusing on three core domains: Finance, Mechatronics and Agriculture. The objective was to provide students in Grades 9 and 10 with diverse, practical skill sets relevant to both local and national employment markets, while also promoting entrepreneurship and closing critical skill gaps.

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Chumbeni Kikon, Joint Mission Director of Samagra Shiksha, in the presence of key officials including Deputy Director, SCERT , Temjenmenla; State Coordinator for Vocational Education, Nukshila Angh; Academic Officer, NBSE, Dziesevolie Tsurho and Assistant Academic Officer, NBSE, Dr. Zalio Seyie. The opening session included an overview of vocational education developments in Nagaland and appreciation for the efforts of vocational teachers.

Altogether, 21 participants, comprising a mix of vocational teachers and general subject teachers from the districts of Kiphire, Peren, Mokokchung, Dimapur and Kohima attended the workshop. The workshop was also attended by officials from the three sister departments- Department of School Education, SCERT and NBSE over the course of 3 days. The training sessions were facilitated by a team of six members from Lend A Hand India.

Each day of the training focused on one vocational sector, combining theoretical instruction with hands-on learning experiences:

On first day of the workshop the topic was covered on Finance:  personal finance, budgeting, banking operations, and entrepreneurship. Participants engaged in simulation activities and practical demonstrations designed to translate financial concepts into classroom teaching.

On second day focused on Mechatronics such as basic electronics, mechanical systems, and automation. Teachers participated in assembling circuits, testing components, and understanding interdisciplinary applications.

And on third day the workshop emphasized on Agriculture where the trainees were imparted on sustainable farming practices, crop planning, and agribusiness. Practical sessions included seed treatment, soil testing, and school-based agriculture project planning.

The workshop emphasized experiential learning, encouraging teachers to adopt student-centered, activity-based approaches. Trainers from Lend A Hand India facilitated interactive sessions with tools and techniques adaptable to classroom environments.

A key aspect of the training was the multi-sector approach, enabling students to experience a variety of vocational domains rather than being limited to a single track. This aligns with NEP 2020’s vision of holistic skill development and broad exposure to career pathways at an early stage.

The workshop is part of a broader effort under the NEP 2020 to ensure that at least 50% of learners at the secondary level receive vocational education by 2025. The successful execution of this pilot in Nagaland provides a scalable model for vocational integration into school education.

By the end of the workshop, teachers expressed increased confidence in delivering multi-skill modules using interactive methods and localized content. The initiative has also strengthened professional collaboration and capacity among vocational teachers in the state.

This workshop marks an important milestone in Nagaland’s journey toward education reform and demonstrates the impact of collaborative partnerships involving government bodies, expert organizations like Lend A Hand India, and sponsors such as LIC Housing Finance, in shaping a skilled and future-ready generation.

 

(DIPR)