By Tanisha Das
A student is an eternal learner and gathers all kinds of information from life. It is in absorbing knowledge from the surroundings, both positive and negative, that one’s life is shaped.
The conventional education system keeps us engaged in an educational institute for years. That said, there is knowledge beyond the books we hold. Social media too is not far behind in this regard.
Different life experiences become a solid basis to apply the lessons learnt, these are usually out of the classrooms. Often, students get so involved in their school that they don’t get the chance to explore the world until they get a job, and a new balancing act between work and vacation mode begins.
In September, I, along with the other toppers of the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) and Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate (HSSLC), 2022, was given the opportunity to go on an exposure trip to Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was organised by the District School Education Officer (DSEO) in collaboration with DC, Tura, Garo Hills.
As it was an educational trip, it exposed us not only in terms of academics but life as well.
The first step of this exercise was visiting an NGO. The interaction with the young children who had little to no advantages, because of family problems gave us a reality check; their hopeful smiles reflected their determination to learn and make a better living, irrespective of the hurdles they face. Meeting them made us aware of our priviledge and how we often make a fuss about the smallest things. This was a humbling moment for all of us.
Next came some well-known academic institutes. During our visit to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai, we got an insight into the popular institution – talking to the professors and students was motivational – they gave valuable guidance for the aspiring students, from a practical perspective.
In a small town like Tura, students lack exposure. Priorities remain limited to academics and knowledge becomes bookish. We saw how a geographical location plays a big role in exposing us to a worldview.
A certain lack of development and initiative has led to students not being given opportunities to explore places and meet people outside their town.
Dona Christeen Debbarma, a Sociology teacher at Don Bosco College Higher Secondary School, Tura, had opportunities to go on exposure trips with her students. Sharing her thoughts, she said, “Exposure is very important as it brings new experiences, which results in building a connection with the outside world rather than usual small circle connections. It also improves the communication skills of the students. I’ve observed how our students are eager to learn and they become very responsible.”
She also added, “There is a dearth of resources such as capital. The solution to this is regular educational trips, where schools here can actively participate and encourage students to engage in activities that push them beyond their comfort zones that shape their empathy and compassion. The government can share all resources equally across the education system.”
Suraj Sonar, a teacher at Aeroville Higher Secondary School, Tura, has taken his students for educational excursions multiple times.
He said, “The interaction with different people builds their confidence. They learn practical lessons, including how to deal with strangers. To me, this is crucial. Further, it opens their minds to different cultures, languages, and religions. Learning without ambition is no education at all and I have seen many of our students becoming ambitious after an educational trip.”
Such trips also mean that young, impressionable students represent their respective states. On this trip, other students got to know about Tura and our cultures. After all, learning is not just the availability of opportunities – to be human is to be social and the friendships that develop on such trips are eye-opening.
Children develop much of their capacity to make their place in the world and survive in it. During their student life, their aims are limited. Even if they decide on their career choices, they often have no idea how to pursue them.
Meeting new people and places, therefore, leads to a multiplicity of ideas and experiences. It shapes us to fight bigger battles in the future.
There are certain lessons that schools cannot provide to the children. They can be learnt only by stepping out into the world. Exposure trips teach them to be independent, solve their own problems, and handle their future careers. Social work, participation in various activities, and inviting experienced speakers to motivate students also become educational.
We came back home a little changed after our trip and realised that with more initiative taken by institutes in Garo Hills, including funding and parent-school coordination, there will be better days when students will receive more such opportunities.
More importantly, such tripe should not just be limited to school toppers, but any child who holds promise and needs proper guidance.