DADENGGRE, Oct 22: To address the high school dropout rate in the Damal Asim area, an awareness programme on early marriage was held at Damal Asim Deficit Higher Secondary School on Thursday. The event was organised by the Block Resource Centre (BRC), Dadenggre, under the Education Department, in collaboration with the school.
Block Mission Coordinator (SSA), Dadenggre, Tengme M Marak noted that recent statistics indicate a significant number of students are dropping out of school due to early marriage, hampering educational progress in the region. She sought the cooperation of parents, teachers, the local Nokma, and community members to counsel affected students and facilitate their re-admission so they can complete their education.
Urging the community to work toward a zero-dropout rate, Marak also suggested introducing integrated learning activities such as music and sports to keep students constructively engaged.
Local Nokma and former headmaster of the school, P G Momin, spoke about the growth of education in the region and observed that despite an increase in educated individuals, few come forward to represent the community when needed. He also cautioned against excessive mobile phone and social media use, noting that improper use causes more harm than good, and offered support for future counseling sessions for local youth.
Cluster Resource Person (CRP) at BRC Dadenggre, Phangcheng Ch Sangma, urged students to take their studies seriously and focus on skill acquisition to build secure careers. He also highlighted the necessity of Aadhaar enrollment and obtaining essential documents, such as birth certificates, which are required for students to access government welfare schemes and financial benefits.
Representatives from the ICDS, the Medical Department, and the school headmaster were among others who spoke on the occasion.