St. Andrew School Jotsoma gets new building

Jotsoma, September 28 (MExN): A new building of St. Andrew School, Jotsoma was inaugurated on September 26 by Dr. Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire, Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Changes. Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, blessed the new building.  

Neikiesalie Kire appreciated the diocese of Kohima under the leadership of Bishop James Thoppil for the many ventures in the field of education and social empowerment. Citing the famous adage, “A house is built by hands and a home is built by hearts,” he urged the students and parents to create an environment where the school does not become merely a centre for acquiring knowledge but a place of love and service, a place of interactive learning, informed a press release from Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, Secretary to Bishop, Kohima. The Minister further urged the students to be smart in clarifying their doubts and use all the available facilities to its full for developing one’s talents. He encouraged the parents to collaborate actively in helping the children in their studies and not depend solely on the school for the overall development of their children.  

Bishop James Thoppil thanked the school management, school staff, and Catholic community of St. Andrew Church for their hard work and completing the school building within a record time of 18 months. Bishop reiterated that the real wealth of the Church is the great sacrifices made by the Priests and Religious and assured that the Catholic Church would serve the people of Nagaland in all possible ways, especially by providing qualitative and affordable education at the door step of the people even in the interior and remote parts of Nagaland. Looking back, he expressed regret that “often time our educational system has focused on imparting result oriented ‘education for a living’ rather than ‘education for life’.” He hoped and prayed that “we make a u turn and begin to impart education based on the values of the gospel, capacitating the students to make decision that are morally correct and socially helpful and thus being a catalyst for change and transformation of the social scenario of Nagaland.”  

Rev. Solomon Vizo, Chairman of St. Andrew School, welcomed the attendees, John Lhuphrevilie gave a short history of the school, and Fr. Abraham Ashiko gave the academic report of last three years of the school.