University of Cambridge signs 17 crore agreement with Mizoram

Aizawl, Mar 19 (UNI) In the bid to enhance the quality of education in the state, the Mizoram government has signed a Rs 17 crore agreement with University of Cambridge to train the teachers in developing English language skills across the state.

The project aims to define the parameteres for implementation of a comphrehensive teachers' training in English and general teaching skill programs in the state.

The Mizoram government would allocate approximately Rs 3.5 crore in their annual budget.

About 16,000 teachers across the state would benefit from this programme over a period of five years starting from April this year, L Tochhong, Commissioner and Secretary for education told UNI.

Initially about 2000 teachers would be selected for the course.

Towards the end of the first year of tuition, a further 3000 teachers would be selected, she said, adding this process would be repeated ever year.

It is estimated that one trainer -- all from Cambridge University, would manage 125 to 150 trainees for teachers' training programme, Ms Tcohhong pointed out, adding that each group of teachers would be taught for six hours a week for 40 weeks in the year for the diploma course.

Mizoram would be the second state to sign such a contract with the foreign university after Rajasthan, Dr Mark Bartholomew, Regional Director, University of Cambridge said.

This programme would benefit Mizoram teachers not only in the area of teaching standard but would also help them find employment opportunity outside the state with greater remuneration.

Mr Mark said they would be signing similar contract in other states such as Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Harayana.

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