Nurturing young minds amidst the global pandemic and lockdown

Thangminlun Haokip *

It has now been more than four to five months since the global lockdown had started, which we first thought would not have this much impact on the country and worldwide and our society on a smaller aspect.

The pandemic being the biggest global crisis after World War II, has brought cries and suffering and even loss of lives to tens of thousands, leaving millions jobless and restless to fight the war against the pandemic.

It might not have been such a serious predicament for the well to do families, but the poor people have been really striving hard to get food on their table as many remain jobless and the supply of daily essential commodities has gradually decreased.

Education has been one of worst hit sectors among others caused by the global lockdown. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected educational system worldwide. The pandemic has significantly disrupted the higher education sector as well, which is a critical determinant of a country’s economic future.

In fact the economy of various countries had also been falling sharply,and our country has also been seriously hit. The immediate or sharp decrease or fall in India’s economy this year, is known to be the worst since after independence. Economic development, businesses, agricultural sector, educational system and many more have been out of control and the people are suffering.

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced schools to shut all across the world. As a result, education has changed dramatically, with the distinctive rise of e- learning. Almost all schools and colleges have to march forward with online classes to cover the vast syllabus during this untamed pandemic.

However, some students without reliable internet access and technology, struggle to participate in these online or digital learning classes. It is clear that this pandemic has utterly disrupted the education system mainly for the poorest of the poor section.

Thousands of students are battling this strenuous situation because they do not have proper access to internet and technology such as mobile phone or laptop to join online classes. Thus, it has become a challenge for many students worldwide, mostly those residing in rural areas and countryside.

Hence the need to carry on with classroom learning or home learning has become mandatory to keep the flow of learning undisturbed and undisrupted.

In view of the present conditions and adversity faced by students, Kholep Youth Club, a village youth body of Kholep village, Kangpokpi district, situated along National Highway-02 (also Asian Highway-01) which is also known for being one such way to ascend the 2,547 metres high standing Mt. Koubru, has taken up a significant step amidst this pandemic to help students continue learning by bringing up an idea of ‘A free and willing coaching’ under the theme ‘Nurturing Young Minds’ for all young and enthusiastic learners.

Not less than fifty to sixty students are made to study, tutored and taken care of by some learned youths of different educational qualification.

We are hoping that such kind of steps would bring positive impact on the society during this hard time for students to continue learning from the comfort of their homes too despite the difficulties caused due to closure of schools.