Nongpoh, August 27: Nongthymmai Government Lower Primary School in Nongthymmai, Umsning, Ri Bhoi district, which was established in 1934, has received a newly constructed toilet facility, addressing a long-standing need faced by students and teachers.
The school was initially established by the Presbyterian Church authorities of Nongthymmai through the Khawkham Sub-Committee and was taken over by the Government in 1954. With a history spanning nearly 92 years, the school is approaching its centenary but continues to function from an old Assam-type building, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure.
The school currently has 11 teachers and serves more than 153 students from Nursery to Class VIII. Of the 11 teachers, only two are paid by the Government, while the remaining teachers are supported by the School Managing Committee through the local community. The salaries of teachers handling Classes VI to VIII, along with other requirements for students and classrooms, are also supported by the Nongthymmai Dorbar Shnong.
The school is headed by Headmistress Veronica Nonglang.
A major concern faced by the school was the absence of a usable toilet. The old facility had become too dilapidated and unsafe for use, causing considerable inconvenience to both students and teachers. The Headmistress had previously approached the concerned authorities seeking assistance, but no solution was forthcoming.
The matter was subsequently brought to the attention of Dr David Lyngdoh, Chairman of the Umsning People’s Front (UPF), during a meeting with the school authorities. Responding to the request, Lyngdoh arranged for the construction of a new toilet facility without delay.
The newly constructed facility includes separate toilets for female and male students as well as a separate toilet for teachers. It also includes a handwashing facility and has been constructed with improved infrastructure.
Speaking during the programme held to formally hand over the facility to the school, Dr David Lyngdoh criticised the Government for what he described as its neglect of the education sector.
He said education is one of the most important sectors for society and questioned the Government’s failure to adequately provide basic infrastructure in government schools, which he described as institutions responsible for shaping the future of children.
Lyngdoh pointed out that Nongthymmai Government LP School is among the oldest schools in the area and is approaching 100 years of existence, yet it still does not have a proper school building capable of providing an environment suited to the needs of students in the present era.
The handover programme was attended by students, parents, Nongthymmai Rangbah Shnong M.M. Nongshli, teachers, community elders, Confederation of Ri Bhoi People president Pateng Marsing and UPF secretary Kitdorious Dkhar, among others.
As part of the formal inauguration, Dr David Lyngdoh cut the ribbon at the entrance to the newly constructed toilet, with the students joining him in the ceremony.
