Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced on Monday that the state government is introducing game-based learning to enhance education for children across the state.
In his inaugural speech at the Model Creative Learning Centre (MCLC) in Dobakkol, Tura, Sangma emphasised the importance of game-based learning, which fosters the development of children’s perceptual, motor, cognitive, and self-regulation skills.
He highlighted how such an approach plays a key role in the overall development of young minds.
Under the state’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) mission, learning centres will be established throughout Meghalaya.
These centres aim to provide a scientifically backed framework for early education, ensuring that children from birth to eight years old receive the best possible start in life.
The chief minister lauded the collaboration between Mere Mentor and the Dobakkol Non-Government L.P. School for starting the MCLC.
He noted that while the state government had funded the infrastructure, it would be the shared responsibility of the organisations involved to ensure the centre’s success.
The project received a funding boost of Rs. 50 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF).
This initiative is being considered a flagship project to promote activity and game-based learning across the state.
Sangma underscored that the ECD mission is a top priority for the government, stressing that early childhood education is vital for the development of skills such as creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
“The period from birth to eight years is when a child undergoes rapid transformation, and providing the right kind of education during this phase can have lasting positive effects,” he explained.
Drawing on learning outcomes from countries like the UK and Europe, the government has developed its own framework for early childhood development.
As part of this initiative, anganwadis will be upgraded into “smart anganwadis,” incorporating modern learning tools and techniques.
In the Dura Asim village in Chokpot block, South Garo Hills, Mere Mentor has already made strides in this direction by upgrading an existing anganwadi into a vibrant learning centre, which has been operational for the past two years.
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The centre aims to create a safe and engaging environment where children can learn through play, making education both enjoyable and effective.
Sourav Kumar, founder of Mere Mentor, highlighted the significance of the project, stating that it fosters community-based learning and strengthens the relationship between schools, families, and communities.
This collaborative approach is expected to lead to more effective, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences for children in Meghalaya.
