Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Kudecho Khamo and others during GHS Chetheba Golden Jubilee celebration on November 11.
GHS Chetheba 50th anniversary celebration held
Chetheba, November 11 (MExN): The Government High School Chetheba celebrated 50th Anniversary on November 11 at Local Ground, Chetheba with Advisor for School Education and SCERT, Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome as special guest.
Addressing the event, Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome said that education brought by American missionaries had rapidly reached the Naga Hills and spread across the state, placing Nagaland third in the country in literacy rate.
He acknowledged the pioneers and elders who embraced both Christianity and education, noting that Nagas have greatly invested in learning.
He remarked that today, the wealth of parents is reflected in the investment they make in their children’s education. Highlighting the case of GHS Chetheba, he said the area merits a Higher Secondary School considering its six high schools and a population of over 15,000, and the tough chance of admissions in Kohima.
However, he raised concern over low enrolment in GHS Chetheba despite nearby private schools having higher numbers, pointing out that many private schools—often set up by churches or private parties—lack qualified teachers, unlike government schools.
He called for sincerity and dedication from government teachers, noting that many families make great sacrifices to send their children to private institutions.
Dr. Yhome urged community support for GHS Chetheba and suggested rationalising schools by merging the primary school with the high school. He sought cooperation in monitoring teachers, reporting absenteeism, and highlighting shortages, assuring that the government will address such issues.
He further called for collective efforts to revive government schools so they can serve their intended purpose and reduce financial burdens on families. He added that the Department of School Education is making continuous efforts to improve the sector.
Concerted efforts needed from society, church to nurture schools
Kudecho Khamo, Advisor for CAWD and Taxes, acknowledged and paid tribute to the pioneers of the school who had nurtured and supported the school over the years. He impressed upon Dr Yhome to consider the upgradation of GHS Chetheba to a Higher Secondary School, realising the urgent need of the people from Chokri Area.
He observed that the public has a concern for education and contributes towards education, and called for concerted efforts from society, church, and individuals to groom and nurture the school.
Khamo highlighted the changing dynamics where even people with qualifications are failing to secure government jobs, yet pointed out the need to seek quality education and take up various professions to contribute to the growth of society.
He stated that society encounters problems and challenges such as substance abuse, and called upon parents to take responsibility to groom and guide their children with Christian values and develop competency to succeed in life.
Noting that the high unemployment rate in the state is due to the huge gap between job market requirements and capabilities, Khamo asked the students to dream big, pray about it, and trust God, besides exhorting them to be hardworking.
School history was presented by Nuzota Swuro, Chairman, Nagaland Bamboo Development Agency (NBDA) and Former MLA, who highlighted the sacrifices of the pioneers and leaders in the past who groomed the school till date, and paid tributes to them. He also called upon the present generation to nurture and protect the school to grow.
Greetings were delivered by Vepozoyi Theyo, President, Chokri Area Public Organisation (CAPO), who paid tributes to the pioneers and, in commemorating the event, called for unity of the people.
He also requested the Advisor for School Education and SCERT to upgrade GHS Chetheba to a Higher Secondary School, stating that there are eight high schools in the area; however, there is not a single higher secondary school, resulting in student migration and high dropouts at the higher secondary level from the area.
A speech on behalf of the alumni was delivered by Chothazo Nienu, Assistant Professor, Pfutsero Government College. Welcome address was delivered by Melesa Swuro, Assistant Headmaster, GHS Chetheba, and the invocation prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Suluveyi Rhakho, Co-ordinator, Globeserve International NM America.
Earlier, Kudecho Khamo released the Golden Jubilee Souvenir. Dr. Kekhrielhoulie Yhome unveiled the monolith, and the dedicatory prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. P. Bonny Resu, Lead Pastor, Chakhesang Baptist Church, Dimapur.
