Shillong, January 28: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced the introduction of game-based learning for children in the state, emphasizing its potential to enhance perceptual, motor, cognitive, and self-regulation skills.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Model Creative Learning Centre (MCLC) at Dobakkol in Tura, the Chief Minister said the initiative is part of the government’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) mission, which aims to set up similar learning centres across the state.
“This initiative is a scientific approach to ensure that our children receive the best foundation during their formative years,” Sangma said, adding that early childhood—spanning from birth to the age of eight—is a critical phase for the development of creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Highlighting the collaboration between Mere Mentor and Dobakkol Non-Government L.P. School in establishing the MCLC, the Chief Minister said, “The state government has funded the infrastructure, but it will be the collective responsibility of the organization to ensure that the centre becomes fully functional.” An amount of ₹50 lakh was sanctioned for the project under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF).
Sangma described the MCLC as a flagship initiative promoting activity- and game-based learning. “We have studied early childhood development frameworks from Europe and the UK to create a unique model suited to Meghalaya. As part of this initiative, we are upgrading anganwadis into smart anganwadis,” he said.
In Dura Asim village under the Chokpot block in South Garo Hills, Mere Mentor has already set up a learning centre by upgrading an anganwadi, which has been operational for the past two years. Sourav Kumar, the founder of Mere Mentor, underscored the project’s focus on community-based learning. “Our aim is to create safe, welcoming, and stimulating spaces that encourage children to explore and learn through play. This approach not only makes learning interactive but also strengthens relationships between schools, families, and communities,” he said.
The initiative, with its emphasis on fostering collaboration and innovation in early education, marks a significant step toward transforming Meghalaya’s educational landscape.