Shillong: St. Theresa Upper Primary School in Kreit, East Khasi Hills, has wiped out its dropout rate. The rural school, located 59 kilometres from Shillong, now reports zero dropouts over the last two years. Principal Efrimai Mawlong personally donated Rs 2 lakh to build a multi-purpose annexe for training. The structure, slightly larger than a badminton court, features a cemented floor and bamboo walls.
The school hosted an inauguration for the space on August 14. Sohiong MLA Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah could not attend, so Suk Marbaniang stood in as his representative. Former MDC Lamphrang Blah also joined the event, which featured music, dance, and kickboxing displays. Coaches and teachers celebrated the new facility, which serves as a hub for athletics and assemblies.
Students here have racked up 144 medals in various tournaments with the help of the All Meghalaya Kickboxing Association. In February, 13-year-old Ozanica Nongbsap and 11-year-old Amegrae Nongbsap won two gold medals at the WKA Asia Pacific Open International Kickboxing Championship in Bali. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma later awarded the pair a monthly stipend of Rs 8,000 for one year.
The school curriculum replaces rigid, text-heavy lessons with guitar, chess, carrom, football, and the fast-paced sport Sepak Takraw. Teacher Goverious Umlong led the shift from traditional instruction to mission-focused training. Coach Samuel Hashah noted the value of the new training centre for these future-ready students.
Village headman Juba Marboh credited the shift in teaching for the record student retention. “Children here long to go to school every morning. The co-curricular activities have changed their perception of school, not as a place of rigid book learning but a free space to learn joyfully in life.”
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