History of the Education & Communication Department

The Genesis: Education is the development and cultivation of powers of the mind. It nurtures the innate qualities of a person. It is a process which ultimately aims at building a good society. With this conviction, in February, 1966, Headmasters of Baptist English Schools of Wokha, Zunheboto, Mokokchung and Pfütsero, Mr. Yajen Aier, Mr. K. Kerhuo, and Mrs. Rano Shaiza, as Convenor, were commissioned by the Executive Committee, NBCC, to look into the needs of strengthening and establishing Baptist English schools in Nagaland. Consequently, in May of the same year the Board of Education was formed.

Department Secretaries: 14 years later, Late Mr. Yajen Aier, the then Director of Education Department, Government of Nagaland was appointed as the 1st Education Secretary, NBCC in 1980 (honorary). In 1981 the Council decided to appoint a full time Education Secretary thus, Mr. Tohoshe Sema, Joint Director, Education Department was deputed for a period of 5 years (1982-1986). Later, in view of the rapid growth of Christian schools under NBCC, the council decided to support a full time Education Secretary in 1987. Rev. Dr. Pongsing Konyak, Associate General Secretary, NBCC was assigned the responsibility until Rev. Khrutsoyi Luruo was appointed in 1989 and went on to serve till 1993. Then Rev. Arenla Longchar served for two consecutive terms from 1994 to 2004 and Evangeline Odyuo from 2005 to 2012 (September). Dr.  Botoholi, the present Secretary, took up the office in October 2012.

Change of Nomenclature and Working/Functional Guideline: The ‘Working Guideline’ for the department was adopted at NBCC Annual meeting on January 14-16, 1983 at Jalukie and revised in 1989 at Shamator. In the 90’s, besides the School Ministry, the need to oversee the Sunday School curriculum became a pressing need. In 1999, a review Committee for Education Secretary was set up.  Consequently, in 2000, the department’s ministry was reviewed and renamed as ‘Education & Communication Department’ on January 27, 2001 with additional responsibilities to oversee Christian Education ministry of the Church and to promote communication ministry. Efforts have been made to have a uniform nomenclature and designations of the department even at the association level. However, since the associations function according to the needs of their own given situation this has not been possible. With the introduction of added responsibilities a new ‘Functional Guideline’ was drafted and approved in 2004, which has guided the department’s ministry till date.

As the department’s responsibilities increased, streamlining responsibilities became necessary so as to enhance its effectiveness. After several evaluations of the department, Coordinators were appointed and interns were brought in to help the department.   

School Coordinator: To coordinate the School Education program of the department, Rev. Dr. Mechiehol Savi, the NBCC office manager, was given additional responsibility in 2011. He was then made full time School Education Coordinator in 2012 to function under General Secretary until further arrangement was made. He is sponsored by the Jakhama Baptist Church.

Media Coordinator: Mr. Paul Achumi, Communication Assistant on contract basis was appointed in 2010 till 2011, to help publish the Newsletter, NBCC Publications, link up Associations and Churches to Christian TV Channels, to update NBCC website. Thereafter Mr. Sentiyabang Lemtur, youth coordinator, NBCC was relocated to the department as Media Coordinator in March 2012, and regularised in 2014.

Project Coordinator for Sunday school Curriculum Development: Mr. Boto Achumi, was brought in to oversee the responsibility sponsored by Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima for a period of 2 years (2016-2017).

Interns: Interns have been accommodated in the department from time to time. Ms. Kulovi Kajiri worked from January-December 2014, sponsored by Meluri Baptist Church. Ms. Yotsola served from October 2014-February 2015, and Ms. Moatila, worked from February-October 2015 with financial assistance from Mrs. Limala for 5 months. Ms. Sihile Tep is presently being sponsored by Rengma Baptist church, Kohima for a year (2016).

Education and Communication Board: Initially, the education board consisted of only 5 to 9 members. However in 2005, the EC decided to include educational ministry workers of Associations to the Board. Therefore, the present Education & Communication Board consists of Association Secretaries for Education & Communication/Literature/Sunday school, Directors of Children Ministry, and Sunday school promoters. In addition, there are 3 members-at-large one from a Theological College, another from a School and the third from a Christian Education worker in a church, with NBCC Cabinets as ex-officio. To look after the welfare of the school ministry the School Board was formed by EC in 2011 with the heads of the institutions of the association run schools. For effective operation various sub-committees have been formed to take care of the different programs of the department.

Financial Matters:

With the increase in activities of the Ministry, mobilization of funds have been initiated from time to time. Records show that a meagre amount of Re.1 was collected in 1981 from students enrolled in Baptist Schools as membership fee. Teachers were also requested to contribute Rs.5 towards the ministry from 1989. Enhancement of membership rose up to Rs.2 in 2008 and in 2011 it was decided upon Rs.20 but in 2012 , it was decided that schools having an enrollment of 300 & above should contribute Rs.20 p.a (per student) and schools with lesser enrollment, Rs.5 p.a(per student).

Apart from this, in 1983 a receipt booklet was printed for membership drive. To foster cooperation with the education Ministry of NBCC, in 1986, Patkai Christian College was asked to pay the student and Teacher membership fee, and  registration was collected from other schools; Rs. 200/- for College level, Rs. 150/- High School and Rs. 100/- middle school. In Oct 1994, the Management Board, Christian English School Dimapur (now CHSS) was asked to contribute towards the Department needs and CES responded by contributing Rs. 25,000/- towards education secretary’s salary in 1997. Over the course of time, CHSS has been consistently and generously contributing towards NBCC till date.

One of the major setbacks of NBCC schools being poor infrastructures, a 5years scheme School Welfare Scheme (SWF) was suggested in 1989 where a common pool fund would be generated by collecting Rs.10 from the students thereby discontinuing Re.1 membership fee from 1991-1995. It shall in turn have the capacity to give loans to needy schools. This helped some schools, but the momentum of this scheme could not be maintained and it was decided that schools affiliated to NBCC may seek grant-in-aid from the government and one-tenth of the fund would be contributed towards the ministry. Later, the evaluation committee during 2003 and 2009 made a recommendation to establish “School Fund” with contribution from Town schools to assist rural Associations and Church-run schools which are facing financial constraint. Loan facility was introduced in 2013 which has enabled the improvement of school infrastructures. 2 schools have availed the fund, 3 hostels and 1 water reservoir have been constructed at Phokhungri, Pungro, Noklak and Mon. 

At present, regular sources of income come from membership fee and service charge from book supply. Sponsorships & Aids are brought in from different organizations, related departments under Government of Nagaland, churches and individuals. Some are recorded along with the activities.

Consultations and Recommendations: With the concern of making education relevant and productive through meaningful involvement of the church, consultation on ‘the role of the church in the field of education’ 1983, resulted in a 12 point recommendation; To search for a basic and relevant educational pattern/approach for a progressive  development, to seek mutual  coordination in the implementation of the state education policies, priorities and programs and to establish Teachers Training Institution (TTCI).  Subsequently, ‘Master Plan’ committee set up in 1984 brought out the following points for Improvement of schools; to have an Advisory Board, Study visits, Projection of some church managed schools, Expansion of schools, Children centre & Sponsorship of Scripture teachers by churches/associations, prepare model course outline for Informal Teachers training (ITI) and reaffirm the proposed teachers training institute (TTI) at Patkai. 10 point resolutions were again adopted during the 1998 Consultation of Executive Secretaries, Head Masters, and Educationist from GoN and NBCC Officials which included; reaffirmation to establish Teachers training institute (TTI), to set up pre-primary/day-care centres by local churches, to produce scripture text book, to form an association of Christian Schools, to set up an agency of recruiting teachers and to review and restructure the Education Board. Following this,  a series of Consultations have been held. A consultation for Headmasters and teachers was conducted in 1989, with a view to promote unity and set proper goals.  Consultations focused on Pre-School, primary school and parental education was held in 1991. 1992 Consultation for a common relevant Bible lessons led to 1993 consultation with India Sunday school Union (ISSU) and scripture knowledge was introduced. Evaluations of the ministry, and consultations for school Proprietors, Administrators were also organized.

In 2000, School Management Board Chairpersons Consultation was sponsored by CASA, with School Constitution being the main agenda. Entailing the expansion of the department’s ministry, Consultation on Sunday school ministry was held in 2001.The need for coordination with other departments as educational ministry and a common, relevant Sunday school Curriculum were recommended. In 2002 NBCC Evaluation Committee suggested the need to be more assertive in the field of education with a clear ultimate objective of social change, to use Scripture Reader series and asked the Department to maintain a rapport with state government for quality and value education. 2003 consultation recommended the inclusion of pastors in the Teachers trainings. Later in 2014, to ascertain a clear direction and to review some functional inconveniences faced by the Department, consultation on ‘Christian Education Ministry of NBCC’ was sponsored by ABAM, KBES, CRBC, CBLT & ZBCC education departments with subject experts from ETC, CTC, OTS and NBCC leaders as consultants. It was recommended that the nomenclature should be retained at the Council level and  should cover Christian education for churches, School education, Higher education, Theological education, Communication and media. Secretary of the department was to be supported by Program Coordinators / assistants, and a single Board with various Committees to oversee the different areas/activities under the department. The Department was to concentrate on a uniform Sunday school curriculum, and Sunday schools ministry to cover all age groups. It also directed to focus on building the capacity of the Association Secretaries, and to develop a clear concept on proposed Christian Education Commission. This has been forwarded to the NBCC Re-structuring committee by Executive Committee NBCC.

FUNCTIONAL GUIDELINE OF THE EDUCATIONAL & COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT

INTRODUCTION
Education is the development and cultivation of innate powers of the mind. It is a process which ultimately aims at developing wholesome personality and society. The Nagaland Baptist Church Council felt the obligation to take a lead participation in people-building activities. Consequently a ‘Working Guideline’ for a Department of Education was approved and adopted it in the Annual Meeting in Jalukie, January 14-16, 1983. In 2000, Education was reviewed through a broad spectrum. Thus, in 2001 on January 27 the Department was renamed Education and Communication. ‘Functional Guideline’ became necessary with the additional responsibility; therefore, this was approved at the NBCC 16th Triennial Convention from 30th January -1st February, 2004, hosted by CBLT at Tuensang Town Baptist Church.

NAME
This Department shall be called Department of Education and Communication, Nagaland Baptist Church Council; hereafter referred to as Education & Communication.

OBJECTIVES

  1. To ensure that the primary objectives of the schools and institutions run by the churches, Associations under the Council maintain Christian values and principles.
  2. To coordinate the church-run schools striving toward quality education so that students become responsible citizens in the society.
  3. To introduce prescribed Scripture lessons over and above the curriculum set by the Government.
  4. To organize school and Sunday school trainings and to recommend Sunday School curriculum and lessons that have contextual relevance.
  5. To reach out to the maximum of the populace through informal means of education.

RELATIONSHIP

  1. As the Department under the Nagaland Baptist Church Council, the Board shall be responsible and accountable to the policies of its Executive Committee.
  2. Activities of the Department shall be reported to the council.
  3. Shall first seek the approval of the Executive Committee of the Council for Major programs and policy matters.

MEMBERSHIP

  1. There shall be nine members to be appointed by the Council among whom three should be from educational profession.
  2. The Cabinets of the council will be ex-officio members.
  3. Board Members shall be appointed for a term of three years but in case of necessity a member may be reappointed for another term.
  4. Any mid-term vacancy shall be filled by the NBCC Executive Committee.

MEETINGS

  1. The Board shall normally meet twice in a year for which dates shall be fixed in the Council’s Calendar of events.
  2. A reminder-notice along with agenda shall be circulated again by the Secretary.
  3. Special meeting of the Board may be called at the request of the Chairperson and the Secretary or at the written and signed request of four members of the Board.
  4. Special/emergency meeting shall be issued in consultation with the General Secretary and the Board Chairperson.

FUNCTION

  1. Help the schools conform to the requirements of the Nagaland Board of School Education and the Central Board of School Education.
  2. Provide training, seminars, consultation and conferences to promote and enhance the skills of the teachers, and to ensure that the schools and Sunday schools hold qualified teachers.
  3. Advice and guide local School Managing Committee/Board in matters of administration and appointment.
  4. Relate with the Government and other relevant agencies for the improvement of education system and policies.
  5. To assign priorities for any grant either capital or scholarships and make recommendation to the Government.
  6. Review from time to time the lesson materials used in Sunday Schools.
  7. Avail both print and electronic media like newspaper, radio, T.V to reach the people. Convey the voice of conscience through writing, talks, skit and plays.

OFFICERS

Chairperson

  • From among the nine members, a chairperson shall be elected to preside over all the Board meetings.
  • In case the chairperson is absent, the board in sitting may elect a pro-tem chairperson for that session.
  • The chairperson may act as a consultant also to the Secretary on important matters.

Secretary

  • The Secretary is governed by the service rules of the council.
  • Shall take care of the office at all times.
  • Shall represent the Department to the Government and other authorities.
  • Shall coordinate the activities of all affiliated schools, to work out modalities where required and monitor success rate.
  • Shall visit Association, schools and Churches
  • Shall organize Headmasters’ Conferences, Seminars, Teachers’ Training, etc. Sunday School Supervisors’ Consultation and also other appropriate programmes.
  • Shall prepare agenda for Board meetings, act as recorder, maintain the minutes and actions and initiate to implement them
  • Shall make plans and programs for the Department in the light of the overall plan of the council and in consultation with the Administration.
  • Be vigilant to what dominates the interest of the people, or what issues affects the society so that it might be addressed with Christian view point.
  • Broadcast appropriate educative programs through mass media.
  • Take appropriate responsibility of the Council’s official publication.
  • To present Departmental reports to the council’s Annual Meeting.
  • Promote funds for the maintenance, progress and development of the Department.
  • To perform any other jobs that may be assigned by the Administration
  • To prepare budget with the treasurer.

Treasurer

  • The Finance Secretary shall be the Treasurer of the department and he/she shall act as per the provision of the Financial Rules of the Council.
  1. The Finance Secretary shall present and update financial statement in respect of the Department in every Board sitting.
  2. The Finance Secretary shall present the audited report and budget of the department to the council.
  3. To prepare the budget in consultation with the Secretary.

QUORUM
Simple majority of the regular members shall constitute the quorum for any meeting.

FINANCE
Apart from the duties of the Secretary and the Treasurer, the Board shall explore ways and means for funds to meet the needs of the Department’s programs.

AMENDMENT
Proposal for, and amendment of this Functional Guidelines shall be done by the department Board subject to the approval of the Executive Committee of the Council.

Activities of the Communication & Education Department

INTRODUCTION
It is said, Christianization and humanization are synonymous, and Education is the process. Education has remained a supreme agenda of the Church for centuries. The adjectival descriptor ‘Christian’ added to education depicts God’s esteem for human beings for a wholesome education (Mark Lamport). Christian schools and Sunday schools are an extension of this Christian Education Ministry of the church, with an aim to disciple children and mould them at a tender age to be responsible Christians and contributive citizens. With sincere hopes NBCC has focused more in this aspect with various activities.

Equipping Leaders and Educators: Enhancing Teaching & Training capacities of Educators, by prioritizing training of trainers have been the major work of the department since its inception. In order to achieve this, NBCC Education Secretaries have been sent on Educational trips within and outside the country and have also been given opportunities to attend various important programs and trainings at different levels, such as Ecumenical consultations, Christian Education Training Camp/trainings at national levels, 3 months in USA to study the working system of Christian schools in 1990, Asia Cutting edge 2007, 4/14 Window Global Movement Summit in 2011 & 15 Indonisia,16 weeks Children Bible Ministries International training New Zealand. Educational Tours are organized from time to time; to Singapore and Malaysia in 2011, Nepal in 2013, IMAGINE 2015, Global Children Ministry conference, Chiangmai, 4/14 India Connect at Bangalore in 2015 and more. The benefits and inputs from all these have helped our ministries enormously.

Teachers Focus Programs: Teaching children is one of the most important and challenging tasks of the Church. With this Understanding, NBCC annually conducts Seminars, workshops and trainings covering various subjects on the immediate trends of education for Christian Educators, School and Sunday school teachers. It also aims to produce committed teachers for the holistic development of a child and since many Sunday school Teachers are school teachers as well, the benefits of attending these programs are doubled in output.

Following the School Teachers Seminar on ‘Secular Education basing on Biblical Principle’ held in 1984, similar programs have been organized in NBCC HQ with participation from even the neighboring states. But after the 1991 combined Teacher’s training, in order to curtail expenses and to reach more teachers, Association wise teachers training were held, District-Wise began 2005. Initially, Trainings dwelt mostly on coordination, management and faith formations, but presently it focuses on subjects such as Mathematics, Language and Music. Resources are drawn from NBSE, Directorate of school education, SCERT, DIET, EBRC etc. In Collaboration with Christian AIDS/HIV National Alliance (CANA), Value Based Education Training was organized for Kohima Schools in 2010.

Heads of Schools Conference: It started in April 1990 under Rev. K. Luro’s initiative and thereafter became a yearly feature of the department. From 2000 it is held in alternate years. The Heads meet with an aim to update the ever evolving education system, and also to support and learn from one another. This conference plays a major role in the administrative and academic development and structure of the schools guided by Christian principles and stresses on the spiritual lives of both teachers and students. Resource persons are drawn from NUEPA, NCERT etc. Topics such as School Planning & Management, Math’s Manual, Laboratory Concept, visions, relationship,etc, are discussed. Study tours involving Visits to Woodstock School Mussoorie, in 2009, Church of Christ Thailand, in 2010 and 2013 and visiting Christian schools and Colleges have been organized to observe and update learning processes and also to implement constructive feasible methods.

Sunday school Teachers Training: It was started in 2001 by Rev. Arenla longchar with the aim to develop a paradigm shift in teaching ministry from teacher centered and traditional lecture, to learner centered and creative activity based methods. Through the sponsorship of BWA and CBCNEI, District-wise SST Training was conducted in 4 districts with the aim to strengthen Sunday school ministry. One of the important factors behind these trainings was the struggles of the churches to employ regular trained teachers, and the inability to follow numerous curriculums that hamper pooled trainings. Therefore simple, relevant and basic trainings that are not curriculum based became requisite. In this respect, Teachers Training, workshops, etc, are conducted frequently in NBCC, Associations and churches.

In 1989, Annual teacher’s conference, and 2009, Teachers Conference which was approved by EC are yet to be implemented. The first Triennial Sunday school Teachers Triennial Conference (SSTTC) was held at Baptist Higher Secondary School in 2010, the 2nd, hosted by ABCC in 2013 and the 3rd, held at Sumi Baptist Church Diphupar (WSBAK) in 2016. Worship and Bible studies were concentrated on the genuine commitment of a Christian teacher and plenary sessions and workshops were targeted to enhance teaching skills. The purpose of this conference is to have fellowship, to share concerns and to create a platform to address challenges and issues. With numerous suggestions coming in for the inclusion of school teachers in this conference; the department hopes to consider this in the future. The Christian Educators Fellowship, Kohima , was formed in 2006 after the approval of such forum. After the approval of Christian Education Curriculum for Teachers in 2009, the Department started a month long intensive Children Educators TOT program with key persons in the Associations. This was later scaled down to 3 days program in 2013 and has continued to be a yearly event of the department as Christian Educators Training (CET).  Based on the recommendation of the 2nd SSTTC 2014, CET focuses on “Empowered Teacher”, a spiritual empowering and equipping program at associations through the  “Equippers Team” with the aim to strengthen, train, exchange relevant information and to do ministry with the available resources. More than 1000 Teachers were reached.  CET has so far covered subjects like, The Importance of Christian Education Ministry, Understanding Naga Children, Creativity in teaching, use of  Multi-Media & Teaching aids, Kids/Children Worship, Children with special needs, Creative Bible Lessons , U-LINK!, Community Bible study, etc.

Joint Teachers training for both school and Sunday school are conducted from time to time with emphasis on common concerns like Child Protection, which aims to establish a secure environment and vocational development for children. In 2011, A Program was organized in collaboration with the Child Protection cell of the Church of Christ in Thailand (CCT) for churches, associations and schools with special focus on physical, social, mental, spiritual and education. Another seminar on Child Abuse was held in 2015. A program on ,”Dramatizing of scripture stories”, was held in 2005 and Bible stories Animation Seminar was held in 2012. Government aided programs such as Integrated Child development sponsored by Social Welfare Department, and Floral Workshop supported by District Horticulture Department were held in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

CHILDREN FOCUS PROGRAMS
As per the child rights charter, a universal definition of “child” includes all persons under the age of 18. Children are the most fertile soil, in whom the seed of the Gospel can be sown, and they continue to bear fruit throughout their lifetime. Hence, Initiatives to disciple children have been the main task of visionary leaders all over the world. With this intent, NBCC has placed much importance on this aspect through its educational ministry focused on Schools for years but today, children outside the 2 institutions (School & Church) needs to be reached with a knowledge that they will need to participate together in building a strong and healthy Christian society.

SCHOOL EDUCATION
For varied reasons, implementation of plans and programs were a huge struggle, but NBCC has remained committed in its educational ministry. In 1983 at the NBCC Annual conference at Jalukie, Theological and Bible Colleges and Schools in Nagaland were encouraged to co-operate with the Education Board for co-ordination in its educational ministry venture and the Education Board was assigned to explore the necessity of opening Christian English Schools in the border areas especially at Noklak and Pungro. These schools have borne much fruit. In 1989 Secretary reported that association schools under NBCC faced problems like few High schools for students to move up, low salary, recruitment of qualified teachers, lack of  Hindi Teachers, fresh graduates as heads of school, and lack of recreational facilities. In 1990 the committee met the then education Minister, Nagaland to appraise him to enhance the Grant-in Aid, and give Block-grant to some schools and also to introduce scripture subject in lieu of moral science in all schools in Nagaland. Lack of committed and qualified teachers prompted NBCC to sent out request letter to Theological colleges to give emphasis on motivating Students for teaching ministry in 1991 and to facilitate the recruitment of efficient teachers especially in rural school, CHSS and BHSS kohima, were selected as recruiting agencies 1993.

Association of School to School Society: To make church sponsored schools relevant and practical in the context of state and national level education policy and further make it distinctively Christian, Associations were continually encouraged to strengthen their education program. According to 1982 Secretary’s report, there were 42 Christian English Schools, 10 Baptist church sponsored schools, 72 Government schools and 40 Private schools. Evaluating 16 schools, who submitted the yearly reports, gave a figure of 235 teachers and 6219 students. By 1988, there were about 80 Baptist schools. The actual implementation of school affiliation to NBCC was introduced in 1991 with 10 schools, and in 1994 it tripled, therefore, Recommendation of 1988 Consultation for formation of Association of Christian Schools was approved. Mrs. Khrieleno Terhuja was asked to create an Emblem fpr the Association of schools with the motto ‘Knowledge is Life’. Affiliation Certificates were issued to 124 over the years but some schools closed down due to financial collapse and the membership strength rolled down to 116 schools. By 2001, Church run schools were brought to closer coordination again, and records show 115 schools joined the Association. In 2006 the working Policy on affiliation drafted by Mr. Pheluopfhelie was approved. Later, in 2012, registration for School Society was pursued and the Certificate of Registration No HOME/SRC-6950 dated 15-02-2016 from Home Department, Nagaland has been received.  As we celebrate 50 years anniversary of the department, our school Society today stands as a government recognized body.

Curriculum for NBCC Affiliated Schools:For many years, no concrete program could be framed on curriculum and In 1989, having found some objectionable lessons, NBCC requested Government to delete those lessons in certain school text books, and decided to find authorized, relevant and reasonably priced books as uniform curriculum for mission schools. In 1990, a committee was set up to plan concrete uniform curriculum for schools and consequently CES was asked to evolve a proper model curriculum other schools to follow.

Common Text Books (CTB) and Common Question Paper (CQP) program: In 1993, SCERT text books were recommended for its age appropriate lessons and in 2000, Curriculum review Committee was constituted. By 2005, the need to keep a vigil in the courses syllabi and contents of text books were discussed, and to emphasize on a comparable standard to all the association and Church run Schools, the Department decided to have common text books and question papers; a phase-wise program was approved: Phase 1: uniform Scripture text books Phase 2: uniform question pattern for mid-term examinations of Classes 9 and 10 would be introduced. Phase 3: common text books would be introduced to the member schools. Efforts have been rendered to achieve this.

In 2008, CTB for member schools was agreed to be introduced by 2010, but in 2009, CTB for classes I-VII in two subjects (social science and G.K) was made possible. In order to provide quality and academic standard text books, recommended curriculum of CHSS, Dimapur, books are being supplied since 2012. in 2009,2 6 schools joined the venture to have a mid-term CQP for NBCC member schools to prepare classes IX & X students for HSLC examination. Further, CQP was arranged for 15 schools with the help of Mt. Sinai School Kohima in 2012, BHS Kohima in 2013 and with the help of 7 schools in 2014. An important ongoing project taken up in 2013 are Mathematics Text books from Nursery to Class VIII by seven writers and drawing books for Nursery to Class VII  by a teacher.

Scripture Subject in Schools: ‘Discovering Bible Truth’ was recommended as compulsory scripture text book for primary classes in all church run schools. The Government was requested to accept this as Scripture knowledge in lieu of moral science in 1990. Later, in 1992 Headmasters’ conference, it was resolved to bring out a common curriculum for the Scripture subject in lieu of Moral Science. Agreement with India Sunday School Union (ISSU) for scripture lessons for classes 1-10 was made in 1993 and in 1995 consultation at Coonor with ISSU resulted in naming it, ‘Windows to encounter’. Scripture Teachers Training was conducted and introduced for lower classes, and in 1997 for classes 6-8. NBCC records and appreciates the help received from ISSU.

Scripture Readers Series (SRS): In 1998-99, a committee was formed to develop SRS for class 1 to x within 5 years, to provide a contextual and comprehensive aspect of life’s teachings to teach a Christian student to be socially conscious and to be a responsible citizen towards building a morally and ethically wholesome Naga society. In the year 2001, SRS book 1-3 was first published with donations from Singapore, the Hallelujah church, Maryland, USA, and few Nagas in USA. In 2002, book 4-8 were also published funded mostly by the Hallelujah church, USA and rupees one Lakh from the Directorate of school Education, Nagaland.  By 2002, SRS was used by 71 schools and a Joint account of the scripture text and song book was recommend by the Board with a minimum of Rs. 5,00,000/-to be permanently kept as rotating/revolving money for continual printing. By 2004, about 10000 students were reached with the word of God through the SRS. In 2004, Action Aid through NDO contributed for SRS and in 2009, visuals in SRS were approved to be explored. According to school education coordinators report, presently around 60 schools are using SRS and some schools beyond Nagaland use it through CBCNEI. Besides NBCC schools, in 1997, a  request to prepare Bible lessons for Class VI came from the Central Institute of Indian Language. In 2014, NBCC was requested to prepare a chapter on history of Christianity to be included in text books, six writers are working on it.

In 1992-93, two books were published, titled “A Guideline for Pre-Primary and Primary Education for Church Related Schools in Nagaland” and “A Handbook for Teachers, Parents, Church Leaders on Christian School Education. Two Song Books were printed for school and any NBCC programs. The first Song Book “Sing unto the Lord” was published in 1995 and “Highest Praise” was published in 2002 and revised in 2007.  These are used even in some Sunday Schools, colleges, homes and churches.

Under Privilege Scholarship Program (UPSP): This initiative started with Alongla P. Aier sharing about the need to sponsor underprivileged children along the Myanmar-Naga boarders in ABWU, USA, where a women spontaneously responded by contributing $250 (Rs. 11,500) in 2003. By the second sitting of the EC in the same year, policy and Guideline of Scholarship for Underprivileged children program and fund to be maintained under separate account was approved. This program is implemented in collaboration with few Associations. In 2008, two new scholarship policies were approved;  Group 1: Class II to VIII (Elementary); Group II: Class IX &X (Secondary level), on merit basis. In 2009, a Corpus Fund committee was set up to sustain the scholarship fund and WSBAK has been sponsoring one student since 2009 with Sunday school mission offering of Thilixu Baptist Church. CHSS Summer Bible School donated Rs.8582/- Labor money in 2004 towards UPSP but by 2009, voluntary contributions are being received from students towards this program. Contributions from schools like CHSS, BHSS, churches and individuals have supported this program so far. The recipients of UPSP recorded till date are Christian English school, Noklak; Junyu, Y. Ngon, G. Tangniu, C. Lusang, C. Chenko. Christian English school, Shamator: Tsukhumthung( first matriculate among recipients) Shilloi Mission School, Wezihu: Yisiru. Konjong School, Mon: W. Wangjai, W. Lemei. Christian School, Pungro: Chingmak, Tsurito, Chinhgmak, Johan, Sudimew. Eden Mission School, Nsong: Haisorang, Iramlung, Ipeiwangla, Miguhungle. Baptist High school, Tening: Wiponlu, Wirangsu, Majilu, Ramzaube, Maraklung, Iningdaula. Christian School, Mimi: James, Lunshito, Nuyamong,Tampen, Sorila, Lumtsukhiung, Liji, Sangle, Ajikhiung, Lopen.

STUDENTS ACTIVITIES
In 1983, Students Gospel Camp cum Talent Show was initiated by Mr. Tohoshe, which served even Naga students in other cities. Since 1989, all schools have been directed to conduct Camps & Retreats to help in the spiritual growth of the children. Records of Literary & Art competition 1989 show that Rs. 50 was awarded to Pukaurei Class VIII as1st in Literary and N. Chumbemo Class B, 1st in art competition both from CES Dimapur. In 1992 Bible Quiz winners were listed as; 1st Gailuanlung Riamei, Class X CES Dimapur,  2nd Sekhlu Lurou, Class VIII, MHBS, 3rd Rosemary T. Kent, CES Tseminyu, Class IX.To persistently inculcate scripture knowledge and develop leadership CHAPEL time is maintained since 1993. To encourage students in scripture knowledge, quiz competition based on NT for Senior (Classes IX-X) & Junior (Classes VII-VIII) levels were held with prizes ranging from Rs 100- Rs. 300. State Level School Essay competition for high school students was held in 1995 With sponsorship from Action Aid and NDO Peace Promotion, Workshop for teachers and Painting Competition was held in 12 schools in 2003.  . Unrecorded programs have also been taken up to empower the members of the school community, to promote human dignity and to create a sense of responsibility.

OTHER IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES
In 1991, church run schools were asked to appoint one Music Teacher each. In 2002, A request letter was written to the Director SCERT to implement the directives of the Directorate of Education & Nagaland State Aids control Society (NSACS) to inculcate AIDS education in the school text book, and NSACS to bring out small pamphlets in comic format to supplement school trainings, to involve NBCC and all private schools in the School AIDS training program, and to offer help in the translation work of the Pamphlet on HIV/AIDS. Government of Nagaland, Department of Health & Family Welfare signed MoU with Cure International India in 2013, where NBCC also partners. School Visitation continues to be a part of the Secretary’s ministry; four groups are addressed; students, teachers, school board, and the church when possible. Department Board members visited all the schools in 2004-2005. In 2011 to open for voluntary teachers in needy schools were approved, by 2016, 2 teachers have been sent to Eden Mission School, Nsong for few months with sponsorship from SEEDS Ministries Limited. Felicitation Program to encourage and honor the achievement of students from NBCC schools who secure top positions in HSLC/HSSLC has been initiated. Ms.Limeka Zhimo MHBSS Kohima and Ms. Tongpangtangla CHSS,Dimapur were felicitated in 2016.

Sunday School Ministry

The First Sunday school in Nagaland was started in the Ao area at the Molungyimsen Baptist Church in 1887. Adult Sunday schools were absorbed into Devotional services and Sunday school continued only for children. A few churches still continue to have Adult Sunday schools. Today, NBCC encourages this with the upcoming G.I.F.T curriculum for all age-groups. As per records, the first consultative meeting on Sunday school was held in March 2001 and the first training held in 2002. Children Sunday School Ministry seeks to stimulate a child’s relationship with God. A number of programs are organised to carry out this discipleship ministry and to motivate transformational teachers. Presently, there are 1127 Sunday Schools under NBCC with 264 full time workers.

Children Common Sunday school Plan (CCSSP): Basing on the report of 2014, Sunday school Curriculum Study Committee (SSCSC) and the incompatible status of Sunday schools program in terms of church’s concern in investment in its maintenance, activities, and trained teachers, etc. which was found to be having a serious implication on children with pinches of comparisons and unconscious inferior/superior ideas that is unhealthy in the church’s ministry to children. Consequently, CCSSP was formulated, with a hope that it will also assist the workers to share, connect & plan better.

  • 4 materials have been recommended until NBCC has its own curriculum     
  • Common Monthly Focus theme (eg. peace, friendship) above the chosen curriculum
  • Children’s Worship every 1st Sunday of the month for all classes
  • U-Link! on 3rd Sunday, annual TeenGames/Camps, and SS Graduation for Seniors.
  • Examinations & grading/ranking are discouraged in Sunday school.
  • Summer and winter breaks are not allowed unless the church plans to have children-friendly program on important event/celebrations (eg. Christmas), or the department have alternative programs like VBS/camps.

Children’s Worship
While Bible lessons fill children’s heads, many hearts are left empty and clueless without a real personal experience with God. Another hindrance is their inability to blend into the adult worship after leaving the interesting activity based Sunday school classes. Thus, Children’s Worship is recommended. This is also targeted for Special needs and unschooled Children who cannot handle  age-appropriate Sunday school curriculum and children who are frequently shifted to different places for studies.

Pre & Early Teens Focus Programs
‘Teenage’ is a crucial transitional period in life as they move out from childhood to adulthood. They have special needs, people around them struggle too, and parents/teachers are not equipped to help them. Dropouts in schools and Sunday schools is a major problem among early teens. In the church Ministry, most Pre-teens and Early teenagers are left stranded in between Sunday school and Youth ministry and many have strayed from the church. Thus efforts have been made to reach out to this age-group; Seminar on True Love Waits for 11-16 years was conducted in collaboration with Youth department, NBCC in 2010. PISPE Club (Pray in the Power and Spirit of Elijah), targeting the age group is 10  16 years was introduced in 2006. This was designed to help children develop the habit of prayer.

Sunday school Graduation
To curtail the problem of dropouts in senior Sunday school classes and to formally link them to the youth ministry, in 2013, the department decided to conduct Sunday School Graduation for senior class every year on World Sunday School Day.

In 2014, U-LINK!, an informal open-ended, manageable program was launched in partnership with Christian Educators Fellowship, Kohima, committed individuals, churches, International Sports Coalition, ISC Tennis Region, Kingdom Stewards, KOHIMAS Hospital, and High Land Dawn Media. It aimed to spice up seniors Sunday school a class who needs interactive and participatory learning. The Program sketch includes: Growth-groups (G-g), Super Saturdays/Sunday with Movie & Pajama Night, Family-forever, Super Couples

Teen Games
A week long Sports Games and sports program, an initiative of the International Sports Coalition is a worldwide phenomenon connecting Teenagers with Jesus through Games and sports, was a part of U-Link! On seeing that even unChurched teens  are attracted to this program, it has been decided that NBCC will assist Associations to conduct Teen Games/Camp once a year.  As a result, in collaboration with the Department, Kingdom Stewards & world Vision, KBBB Sunday School Department has had Teen Games in Mon Town and Tobu Area churches for around 2000 children in 2015 and 2016, few associations and churches have initiated too. Teens Camp are held in churches on invitations. A U-Link Teacher Guide Book, CD and U-Link news on the pilot program have been produced. Teachers Training focused on U-Link!  are conducted.  Kohima Municipal Council provided 2000 dustbins on clean kohima program 2009 to 68 churches in Kohima, through the Sunday school to inculcate good hygienic practices and habits to our children.

NBCC Sunday School Curriculum Development Project (SSCDP); Consultation on Sunday school in 2001 reaffirmed the enormous need to have a common curriculum that is contextual and relevant. Therefore, after a thorough study, Resource Center material was recommended by 2002. But when the department began to give more emphasis on children ministry around 2006-2012, more materials were introduced along with the trainings. In 2008 Creative Bible Lesson was recommended by the department after the training.

Later, in 2014, basing on SSCSC recommendation to develop a NBCC Sunday School Curriculum for all age-groups, where usage of ‘school’ on Sundays was to be considered. The Department has taken up this enormouse task of developing NBCC Curriculum that will be relevant and affordable. The objective of the curriculum is to disciple all age groups toward transformation in the individual, church and society.  Vision Statement is compressed into 4 points, and the curriculum has been christened as G.I.F.T (Growing in Faith Together) with alternative names for 10 age groups. Actual work begins in 2015, with Rev. Arenla Longchar leading the Committee of 7 members. Lesson Writers, Graphic designers and Editors were invited for ‘Writer’s Orientation’ on November 6, 2015, and ‘Writers Workshop’ was held from 28-29 April, 2016 sponsored by Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church. Around 40 people are involved in the making of GIFT, to bring out 38 books. Upon completion of the project, we hope to set uniform and systematic standards of teaching and learning and advance the Christian Education Ministry, with the hope to bless even beyond NBCC.

Rainbow Praises
Every Child love singing. To enable them to praise God meaningfully and to create an opportunity to develop their potential, praise program (children choir/singing group) where any child can join was planned with ‘Magnify the Lord, O Nagaland’ as theme song, composed by Mr. James Shekiye Swu. This has been presented by Nagaland Conservatory of Music and Patkai Christian College in 3 NBCC programs. Some Associations have already translated this into their respective dialect and have conducted singing competitions.

Inclusive Children Programs

Kingdom Fest
A festival for Children & Youth, the first of its kind for young people was organized in 2004 at CHSS, Dimapur. It was a faith-based fun-filled program that set the tone for all such programs that followed. In 2003 and 2006, 6479 children in Nagaland and mission fields were reached by Samaritans Purse, from Operation Christmas child, USA and Gospel Mission India. Around 2004-2005, under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Alternative and Innovative Education projects entrusted  by education Department, Nagaland, 19428 children from 6-14 years of age were reached.

Children Festival started in CHSS, Dimapur in 2008, where 830 children participated, the program covered Praise & Worship, Deeper In God’s Word,Tele -Talk with Jesus, Talent shows and competitions on Painting, Poetry, Prepared speech, traditional dance, Bible memory recitation, Choir and indigenous instrumental. Following this, Children Festival for 4 Associations (YBBA,KBCA, CBLT, USBLA) was conducted at Tuensang, on the theme ‘NEW LIFE’ in 2009. Children Rally was held at Christian School, Pungro with the theme “Meet your Creator’ with contributions from KABA, Christian Education department, Thixilu and Thahekhu Baptist Church in 2010. In the same year, Kids Concert was held in Wokha and 100 children staged their talents during this time. Children Evangelistic Rally (CER) on the theme ‘SALVATION’ at Lotha Baptist Church Kohima was also held in 2010. An open Talent Search was conducted for all Church and Association run Schools in 2011 and to provide platform and encourage children, aMusic Festival was held in the same year at Sumi Baptist Church Dimapur. In 2012 Children’s Conference was organized along with King Kids International (KKI) in Kohima. A Children Biennial Conference was approved in 2012 but due to practical problems this is entrusted to Associations. Many associations have taken up this as a yearly or Biennial program.

At its 3rd SSTTC, NBCC formally joined 4/14 Window Global Movement a Global initiative to REACH, ROOT, RESCUE, and RELEASE the 4-14ners, a demographic age group who are in the most receptive age to be prepared as Agents of Mission. The strategic direction targets to unite generations by integrating 15 years above into the main stream of the movement to reach the 4/14ers with the concept “The Nurturer: I am my Brother and Sister’s keeper” (‘Keeper’s Rally’ is to be held in 2017)

Vacation Bible school (VBS) trainings are conducted for teachers and organized for children by many churches. Summer Camps, Rallies and Retreats for students are also conducted from time to time. In 2002, Financial Assistance for VBS was availed from CBCNEI and the department was able to help 11 schools.

OTHER IMPORTANT INITIATIVES.

Biblical mandate for Christian Education extends beyond the Christian school and Sunday school movement.  It engages in making every situation meaningful, it is a dynamic ministry beginning from faith formation to a lifelong discipleship, covering all ages and segments of the community. NBCC makes efforts to keep these observations focused in its Educational ministry.

In 2011 Bible Reading, Doctrinal study and Quiz Program was designed for Children, Teachers and Parents to study together. The Department also encourages Associations and Churches to minister to children in the pre-school age group by partnering with parents to lay strong foundation of Christian values in their children. Community Bible study International (CBSI) which aims at transforming lives and making disciples through care and in-depth Bible study has been introduced to some Christian Educators, youth, and church and association leaders by 2012. With a purpose to Engage Parent to partner in molding up children, and to motivate and mobilize parents and to disseminate vision, philosophy and value of Christian run schools, every school has been having parents day/parents seminar once a year since1993. The Department organizes Parenting Seminars/Orientations from time to time. 2010 CET and Pungro Village parenting seminar were significant, thus in 2016 another Parents Orientations was held in 2 Churches focusing on education of children was held in Pungro with the initiative of Missionary Mr. Tangit Ao. Topics covered in such programs are: joy of parenting, counseling tips for parents, parents and discipleship, impact of media, child abuse, connecting children to family and church, Civic sense, manners and etiquette for Children. These programs and courses focuses to equip parents to become great teachers and mentor in their spiritual, social and mental growth in Christ.

With sponsorship through Rev. Allan Chan, Director, SEED Ministries Limited, Singapore a 3 tier program: VBS for children of Eden Mission school and Sunday school, teachers Training, church leaders seminar and community worship was conducted in ZBA Nsong in 2015, and  ‘BLESS NOKLAK’ program which included Children Bible Camp at Christian Mission School, Community Bible Study for Church Leaders and a Healing Crusade in the afternoons was held at Noklak.

Family Focus Ministry (FFM): Family is the smallest yet the most powerful unit of church and the society. FFM has been initiated in 2016 to disciple families with biblical principles for building Christian relationships and homes that they may be agents of transformation in the society.

COMMISSION for PERSONS with DISABILITY (PwD): NBCC advocates that each individual irrespective of race, gender, tribe, physical or mental affiliation have the right to enjoy God-given opportunities and provisions of life. While appreciating the initiatives of the Government, NGOs, and Inclusive Schools which has proved to be a powerful method to sensitize and successfully mainstream Special Children (PwDs), NBCC has decided to intentionally participate towards building an inclusive community. Prior to NBCC’s Policy on Differently abled People (DAP) 2014, followed by a circular to erect ramps in Associations and Churches buildings and to do ministry to the PWDs, awareness programs on aids/facilities was carried out in 2008 for NBCC schools and seminar on Ministry to Differently Abled Children was conducted in 2012. In spite of these sincere concerns, the ministry and policy could not be practically activated. Therefore, in 2015 “Understanding the DAPs” seminar was was held which was attended by over 73 Church Leaders, Christian Educators from Churches and Schools.  Recommendations of the Seminar includes: to have COMMISSION for DAP, with Committees at associations and Support Groups in Churches, to Initiate Physical accessibility, Declare Sunday, Train leaders, appoint Special Pastors and Special Sunday School & School Teachers and teach skills to Parents of DAP, to Declare Inclusive Schools for schools under NBCC, Intervene in the implementation of Inclusive Education System, form Associations of parents, and to Collaborate on Disability Certificate. This was approved as Policy Guidelines for Commission for Persons with Disability, and 3RD Sunday of November declared as NBCC PWD Sunday, with the aim to encourage recognition of PwDs and continually sensitize and celebrate PwDs towards building an inclusive community. In 2016, three- days Special Teachers’ Training was organized at SCERT training Center, sponsored by Commissioner for Disability, Nagaland. Further, the Executive Council in May 2016, approved the nomenclature Differently Abled People (DAP) to be changed to Persons with Disability (PwD) in line with Government, National and Internationally usage, and principally approve to start inclusive Sunday schools & schools. NBCC office has been listed in the Governments initiative to make offices accessible PwDs Nagaland.

Acquisition of assets: Christian higher secondary Summer Bible School 2002 donated a steel almirah. In 2007, a Bolero vehicle was procured for the ministry with the help of the Christian educators Fellowship, Kohima. A Laptop and VCD player were purchased from scripture sale proceeds. Mrs. Inali Wokhami raised Rs.100000/- towards purchase of laptop & projector in 2014. Dr. Asakho & Asano Yhoshu from JCC and an anonymous Angh from Mon donated for LCD projector, BHSS Tseminyu donated for camera, G. Rio HSS donated a Laptop for school ministry. A dumper truck and a Bolero have also been acquired recently for school ministry.
Special days

  1. 1st Sunday of November has been observed as World Sunday school Day with the rest of the world
  2. 1st march Sunday was approved as ‘Children’s Sunday’ in 2012 for all children
  3. 3rd Sunday November— Persons with disability Sunday has entered NBCC calendar in 2016.

COMMUNICATION MINISTRY

Communication is the process of passing and acquiring information using different mediums and NBCC has applied ways and means to educate people better. Way back in 1983 film ministry with education, and 1989 Mass Media program on Education was carried out. In 1990 the  Department produced video cassettes of school activities. To encourage, built and strengthen the NBCC Educational program, Christian School Association California donated Rs. 7000/- to buy VCR, 50% was raised by the Department to procure TV. In 2006, Mass Media ministry committee was set up with following persons : Mr. Wabang Moa (Convener), Mr. Theja Meru, Ms. Metevinü Sakhrie. Consequently, Department started partnering with  HDM by 2007.

NBCC decided to use viable communication tools to enhance its ministry in year 2000. Some of the tasks under communication are

  • Publication of the NBCC Newsletter:  the Department in 1983 started publishing a newsletter titled ‘Christian News,’ which was later changed to ‘Education Bulletin’. In June 1985 the Executive Committee approved for the publication ‘NBCC Periodical’. NBCC cabinets were entrusted to form the editorial board, and that every association will contribute a minimum amount of Rs. 500/- to finance the publication annually. As the council began to focus more on Missions, in 1988 ‘NBCC periodical’ became ‘Mission news.’ Then ‘Department Newsletter’ started by 1995 to connect and keep schools informed. But by 2000, it was decided that NBCC will have only one quarterly newsletter; NBCC Newsletter was approved, NMM was directed to sponsor 1 issue yearly. This was again renamed to NBCC News in 2014.
  • The Communication ministry of NBCC also conducts television talk shows on various issues. One of the major programmers was the NBCC TV weekly programme called “Encounter” which was started in 2008. DVDs and VCDs on teaching aid for Children Ministry, Sunday school and School ministry have also been produced under this ministry. Biblical messages and thematic talks have been transmitted through radio. Besides these, there are other activities like choreography, painting and art to motivate the potentials of the youth and to hone their creative talents. Eight TV/Radio talk shows on HIV/AIDS, Alcoholism and Value education were organized in 2011. Scripts for Radio were also written as and when requested.
  • Media is a powerful mode of Communication and hence Media office was established with a Media Coordinator and continues to play a vital role in media related works like(a) Publication of programs, books, newsletter, brochure etc. of the Council (b) Graphic design work (c) Archiving of both still and video coverage of NBCC programs (d) Press releases (e) Organizing Media seminar for associations, churches and schools (f) Networking with different local media (g) Internet Maintenance (h) Purchase and updating of computer hardware and software.
  • The Communication ministry of NBCC has currently entered into an agreement with the Highland Dawn Media (HDM), a media organization which produces multi-media programs from Radio and TV programs to internet video Broadcast streams. These include documentaries, features, TV shows, music videos and live event coverage. By entering into the agreement, HDM will now be recording NBCC’s programs to be telecasted on various television channels like “Nagaland Corner Stone TV,” North East Cornerstone TV” and Shubsandesh Satellite TV Channel.”
  • Library Project: Setting up a NBCC Library at its headquarter became necessary as an apex body of Baptist churches, to systematically archive important Histories, Events, and activities of NBCC in general, and of its Associations, Institutions and member churches. Further, this can also facilitate researchers for easy access to resources concerning the church and to amass their incalculable works. The project also hopes to make primary Christian Literatures and essential/crucial periodicals available to today’s believers, and to strive to continue to improve with time. A contribution of Rs. 7413/- by Dr. Inato Shikhu was marked the opening of Library Fund. In 2014 it was resolved that every Association and church will submit copies of Souvenirs or any important documents for preservation to NBCC Library. We remain thankful to Mr. Kughaje Yepthomi, the then Director of Art & Culture department, Nagaland for his encouragement and help rendered towards this humble venture. NBCC also records the contributions of Shri Pankaj Kumar IAS Chief Secretary Nagaland NBCC Library and the 1st Committee member’s voluntary contributions to renovate the allotted library room in the NBCC HQ. NBCC Library was then dedicated on the 27th January 2015 by Rev. Dr. L. Anjo Keikung, the then General Secretary, NBCC. Although progress is slow, we hope this small endeavor will bless generations to come.

Apart from this, communication ministry has assisted in the publication of books and documentations of NBCC in general. In 2009, Writers Workshop was organized in collaboration with SCERT & Oxford University Press and has conducted Media seminars for 3 consecutive years.

PREVIOUS PROPOSALS TO BE RECONSIDERED

  1. Pre-School: From the moment a child is born, it starts to interact with environment which influences his/her development and characteristics that defines into adulthood. Education is the directing of this total ongoing process of development toward specific objectives. To lay a strong faith-based education in our Naga society, Pre-school program was recommended to all churches in 1983 and 1985 by EC, and reaffirmed in the 1988, 1992 Consultation. To raise the standard of education, Nursery Class was recommended to schools and Crèche programs were explored. In 2009 and 2011 Pre- school was again recommended, consequently Pre-school Trainings were held successively in 2011 in KBC, Dimapur, UBC, Kohima, and JMC with Children Bible Ministries (CBM) as resource persons. Although few individuals and a church have started pre-school in towns, pre-schools in villages tailored with traditional practice of children day care would be one of best thing the department can initiate to help our people.
  2. Education Secretary’s Quarter: absence of official quarter for Education Secretary has been one of the inconveniences in the ministry. Some efforts have been made in the past but the need should to be taken up for consideration.
  3. Teachers Training Institute (TTI): The need for a regular Teachers Training for Nagaland Christian Schools pushed the department to come up with TTI 1982. A committee was appointed comprising of Dr. Tuisem Shishak, Rev. L. Bizo, Mr. Moasosang, Mr. Tohoshe and Rev. Phuveyi Dozo (Ex-officeo) to explore possibilities. Subsequently, it decided in principal to have TTI at Patkai but could not materialised.  In October 1985, request was made to CBCNEI to give special grant for the proposed TTI in Dimapur, Nagaland. June 1986, as per CBCNEI’s direction, a committee led by Rev. P. Dozo (Convener) was asked to prepare the scheme of the Institute in phase-wise, but due to financial constraint, CRDS was requested to provide facilities. Later in October 1989, it was approved to set up a Christian College and Theological seminary proposal brought by the Education Board. Following persons were appointed by as steering committee; Dr. Renthy Keitzar, Rev. L. Bizo, Rev. V.K. Nuh, Rev. Zhabu Terhuja, General Secretary and Education Secretary, as Ex-officio. But in 1990, in view of convenience & integrity in management, it was decided that the proposed Missionary Training Centre (MTC from NMM) and proposal from education Department will be consolidated into one. No record could be traced after this.