Gangtok, Jan 20: An 11-day educational exposure tour for 36 State and Commendation Awardee Teachers from Sikkim was officially flagged off by Raju Basnet, Minister for Education, Sports and Youth Affairs, on January 20 at the SNT Complex. The tour, organized by the Education Department of Sikkim, is aimed at enhancing the professional skills of teachers through exposure to teaching practices in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

In his address, Basnet wished the teachers a successful journey and expressed confidence that the insights gained would contribute to improving Sikkim’s education system. He emphasized that this initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening the skills and knowledge of educators.

The teachers, along with their spouses, will visit both rural and urban schools in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where they will observe various teaching methodologies, engage in idea-sharing, and learn about local cultural and educational practices. This is the third edition of the programme, which was first introduced by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Teacher’s Day in September 2022. National Awardee Teachers are sent on international tours, while State and Commendation Awardees participate in national educational tours.

The flag-off event was attended by Tashi Chophel, Secretary of School Education, Sonam Denzongpa, Principal Director of School Education, Tsheringkee Chingapa, Director of School Education and Planning, and other senior officials from the Education Department.