Shillong: In a landmark step towards community-led educational transformation, the Meghalaya government on June 20 formalised a strategic partnership with the Mothers’ Union during the Education Conclave held in Tura. The memorandum of understanding, signed by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, will see the state and the Mothers’ Union jointly manage 20 government schools, aiming to enhance learning outcomes through grassroots involvement and innovative reforms.
Described as one of the most ambitious education initiatives in the state’s history, the collaboration reflects Meghalaya’s broader goal of aligning top-level policy with localised execution. With nearly 18 lakh youth under the age of 20, the state faces what Sangma called a “double-edged sword” — the opportunity of harnessing the energy of a young population or the risk of a generation left behind due to inadequate education.
“We can either shape a productive, skilled youth or risk creating a lost generation. The choice is ours, and education is the key,” the Chief Minister remarked during his address at the conclave. He underscored that the Mothers’ Union partnership embodies the conclave’s core objective: to listen, learn, and co-create solutions with the community.
Several major announcements were made during the event, including the launch of the Meghalaya School Quality Assessment and Accreditation Framework (MSQAAF), a new benchmark system to evaluate the performance of schools across the state. This was complemented by the unveiling of the CM IMPACT Meghalaya Learning Enhancement Programme (M-LEP), which is aimed at bridging persistent learning gaps based on recent state-wide evaluations.
To support inclusive education, specially designed tablets were distributed to students with learning challenges, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to equity in education. Additionally, the conclave hosted a detailed review of the Samagra Shiksha programme in the Garo Hills, identifying key achievements and areas needing urgent attention.
Together, these initiatives signal a transformative phase in Meghalaya’s education sector — one that leans on community wisdom and collective action to ensure no child is left behind.
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