AMPATI, May 27: In an effort to bring out-of-school children back into mainstream education, the District Administration of South West Garo Hills on Tuesday conducted a re-enrollment drive for school dropout students at Nayapara in Mahendraganj under the Zikzak C&RD Block.
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| Students, parents, and officials participate in a school dropout re-enrollment drive conducted by the South West Garo Hills district administration at Nayapara, Mahendraganj, on May 26, 2026. The initiative aimed to bring out-of-school children back into mainstream education. (Image: DIPR Meghalaya) |
The initiative aimed to identify children who had discontinued their education and encourage them to resume schooling through counseling sessions involving both students and parents. According to official sources, the district has so far identified 188 school dropout students, while efforts are continuing to trace more children who have left school prematurely.
Deputy Commissioner of South West Garo Hills, Kumari Annendya Raajsree, IAS, personally interacted with students and their guardians during the programme. Addressing the gathering, she stressed the importance of education in shaping a secure and informed future for children.
She told the students that education would not only help them make better life decisions but also protect them from frauds, scams, and exploitation as they progress in life and higher studies. The Deputy Commissioner urged parents to support their children’s education and ensure that they remain in school.
Speaking during the programme, Smt. Torali K. Marak, MCS, Block Development Officer of Zikzak C&RD Block, highlighted the need for counseling both parents and children together to effectively address the issue of school dropouts. She informed that the re-enrollment initiative was jointly conceptualized with Shri Emphul Ch. Marak, SDSEO of Ampati, to motivate students to return to classrooms and continue their studies.
The programme also included awareness sessions on child welfare and protection. Smt. Leni Bethlen K. Sangma, Assistant Labour Commissioner, sensitized participants about the harmful effects and legal implications of child labour, particularly the involvement of underage children in various forms of work.
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Meanwhile, Smt. Tanweera M. Sangma, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), spoke on the issue of teenage pregnancy and its legal and social consequences, urging both parents and children to remain informed and cautious.
Earlier, Shri Emphul Ch. Marak, I/c SDSEO, thanked all stakeholders, parents, and students for participating in the initiative and assured continued support in helping children reintegrate into mainstream education.
Officials described the programme as encouraging, noting that eight students - including five girls and three boys - agreed to return to school following the counseling sessions.
