Pasighat, July 7: Education minister P D Sona on Monday inaugurated “Saksham”, an innovative Student Activity and Enrichment Centre aimed at promoting holistic and experiential learning, at the Springdale 5th IRBn Welfare School here.
The centre, developed by the 5th India Reserve Battalion (IRBn), is rooted in activity-based, play-based, and experiential learning in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework 2023, officials said.
Commending the initiative, Sona lauded Commandant of the 5th IRBn, Garima Singh, IPS, and her team for setting up a creative and engaging learning environment for students. He termed the effort a “best practice” in the education sector and called for replication of such models across the state.
“It is the need of the hour to instil curiosity and a joy for learning among young learners. Such experiential learning methods must be promoted across all schools,” the minister said.
Sona also appreciated the decision to open the Saksham Centre to children from Pasighat and other schools in the district, beyond the children of the 5th IRBn.
Highlighting government efforts, the minister said the state is working towards integrating pre-primary government schools with Anganwadi centres to introduce activity-based learning at the elementary level. He also stressed the need for more space laboratories in schools to spark interest in space science and technology.
MLA Ninong Ering praised the 5th IRBn and its commandant for conceptualising the innovative centre and advised students to work hard in their studies.
Briefing on the facility, Commandant Garima Singh said the centre features a digital learning zone, library, indoor games, and creative learning spaces for music, drawing, craft, and theatre. It also includes life skills modules on health, hygiene, traffic safety, and value-based education.
Pasighat MLA Tapi Darang, East Siang deputy commissioner Sonalika Jiwani, SP Pankaj Lamba and DDSE Odhuk Tabing were also present at the function.
Earlier in the day, Sona interacted with students, visited an exhibition of student-made models, and took part in a plantation drive on the school campus.
