1. VOCATIONALIZATION OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
Vocationalisation of Secondary Education was initially a Centrally sponsored scheme under which assistance was given to the state governments/UTs. In Mizorarn, It was launched in 1989. As directed by the scheme, the State Council of Vocational Education (SCVE) was constituted under the chairmanship of the 1 Chief Secretar5r. The SCVE is responsible for periodic review of the prograrnme implementation. The SCERT which was under the Directorate of School Education at the time was the implementing agency for Vocational Education in the state. A separate wing of State Institute of Vocational Education (SIVE) was set up at the SCtrRT to provide research and development support to the programme at the state level.
With the discontinuation of the centrally sponsored scheme in 2010-2021, Vocational Education scheme including 48 vocational teachers were transferred back from the Directorate of SCERT to the Directorate of School Education with effect from 31't January 2OI3 and were absorbed into state plan on contract basis on 5th April 2OI3.
The SCERT, Mizoram has continued to remain the Academic Authority of Vocational Education Scheme vide Notification No. B. 140 I I I 20 / 20 1 1 -EDN (RMSA) dated 9tt' July 20 13.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has highlighted the importance of including vocational education as part of formal school education stating that "A concerted national effort will be made to ensure universal access and afford opportunity to all children of the country to obtain quality holistic education - including vocational education - from pre-school to grade 12." Vocational education consists basically of practical courses through which one gains skills and experience directly linked to a career in future. It helps students to be skilled and in turn. offers better employment opportunities.
As stated in Para 3.15 of the school bag policy and Para 4.26 of NEP 2020, during grades 6-8, every student will have a survey and hands on experience of a sampling of important vocational crafts such as carpentry, electric work, pottery making, gardening, metallic work, etc. as decided by States and local communities and as mapped 'by local skilling needs. All students will participate in a l0-day bagless period sometime during Grades 6-8 where they intern with local vocational experts such as carpenters, gardeners, potters, artists, etc. Similar internship opportunities to learn vocational subjects may be made available to students throughout Grades 6-12, including holiday periods.
For implementation of 10-Day Bagless Schooling, an activity based, hands-on teaching-learning guidebook has been developed by the SCERT, Mizoram to be used by teachers of Class 5 to 8 called 'Nun Kawng Sialna Bu', which has been distributed to all schools by Samagra Shiksha. Class 5 is included for implementation of bagless days since it is part of the middle school stage in Mizoram. The guidebook consists of several activities under 4 sub headings - Performing Arts, Arts & Crafts, Pre-Vocational Skills and Field Visits/Projects.
2. Educational and Vocational Guidance and Counselling Cell
The Educational and Vocational Guidance and Counselling Cell, SCERT was established in the year 1981 . The primary objective of this Cell is to help students of Secondary and Higher Secondary Schools to identify and develop their abilities and to impart in them the information necessary for their future educational and vocational careers. It also aims to facilitate students in their academic development, career growth and personal or social development. Programmes such as career awareness campaigns, career exhibitions, career counselling, etc. are conducted for high school students. In these programmes, students are oriented towards the different career choices available. as well as about career information such as nature of work, working conditions, method of entry, educational requirements, individual requirements, etc. Orientation programmes in guidance and counselling for high school teachers are also conducted to enable them to help students develop their , potentials to the maximum, help overcome their direct problems and also prepare them to face upcoming problems.
Since 2021-2022, the certificate course in Guidance and Counselling has been introduced for secondary school teachers. It is a six-month course with the aim of training Secondary School teachers on the skills of counselling and mental well-being of students. The course aims to provide teachers with the basic knowledge of school guidance and counselling techniques to address the personal and social problems of students that they may encounter in the classroom. It will also increase their ability to exercise active listening skills, reflect on students, concerns, assist students in arriving at solutions to problems, guide them on potential solutions to stated problems, and make responsible social choices and informed decisions.
In the first batch of the Certificate Course (2021-2022), 38 High School Teachers of AizawI and Mamit Districts successfully completed the course. 20 high school teachers completed the second batch of the Certificate Course (2022-2023). The third batch of certificate course in Guidance and counselling (2023-20241 currently has an enrolment of 38 teachers, an the Course is expected to be completed by March 2024.
The Educational and Vocational Guidance and Counselling Cell also gives individual career guidance and counselling to students of High Schools and Higher Secondary schools-to enable them to make informed decisions regarding their future educational or vocational choices as well as their career pathways.
Contact Officer
Ms. Caroline Zoramthangi Joint Director - 7005251654
Ms. Lalrindiki Lecturer - 8794157845
