NBCC General Secretary Rev Dr Mar Pongener addresses the gathering during the one-day school conference in Kohima on October 20. Participants are seen in the background. (Photo Courtesy: NBCC)
Kohima, October 21 (MExN): Strengthening the role of mission schools in shaping lives, upholding educational values and promoting holistic development was the central focus of a one-day school conference organised by the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) School Ministry at The Heritage, Kohima, on October 20.
Held under the theme “Bridges of Learning: Inspire, Empower, Progress”, the conference brought together over 500 teachers and school heads from 44 schools, along with school administrators and church leaders, to reflect on the mission and responsibilities of Christian educational institutions.
According to a press release from the NBCC, the programme began with praise and worship led by the Sumi Baptist Church, Kohima, followed by an invocation prayer offered by Rev. Suhuto Chishi, Youth Secretary, NBCC. Imlongchaba, School Coordinator, NBCC, delivered the welcome note, while Keyingchilungle Ndang, PGT, BHSS, Peren, shared a teacher’s testimony. Musical presentations by Vetholü Rhakho and Master Pinglang, T.M., of CHSS, Noklak, formed part of the programme.
Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener, General Secretary, NBCC, delivered the message and offered the prayer.
The keynote session featured Rangumbuing Nsarangbe, Chairperson of the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE), Kohima. A special presentation was also delivered by OCS Li Troupe.
A session titled “The Joy of Serving” featured reflections by Vikholei Venuh, Headmaster of EMHS, Chizami, and Renbeni Kikon, PGT, CHSS, Dimapur. The session highlighted commitment, dedication and service as essential values in the teaching profession.
The conference also held a panel discussion on “The Heart of Mission School: Opportunities and Prospects”, moderated by Weto Losou, Vice-Principal of Baptist High, Kohima. The panellists were Rev. Dr. Chekrovei Cho-o, Executive Secretary of the Chakhesang Baptist Church Council (CBCC), and Kaini Khekho Kikon, Principal of Pilgrim Higher Secondary School.
The discussion examined the opportunities and challenges facing mission schools, their continuing contribution to education and ways to strengthen their role in society.
The conference concluded with a reflection and closing session led by Moa Walling, Principal of CHSS, Dimapur. The proceedings were recorded by Sentongkala, Headmistress of Eden School, Yangli, and Mono Lam, Headmaster of CHS, Shamator.
The NBCC stated that the conference aimed to provide educators and school leaders with a platform to share experiences, renew their commitment to the teaching vocation and reflect on the responsibilities of Christian educational institutions. Its theme emphasised inspiring learners, empowering educators and advancing quality education through the continued service of mission schools.
