Imphal: The state council of educational research and training on Wednesday launched a week-long workshop on "Folktales and its educative values for elementary school teachers" at Nambol Higher Secondary School in Bishnupur district. The workshop aims to revive the tradition and significance of folktales, where there is a wealth of lessons to be learnt, which would help in grooming children.

Manipur education minister Thokchom Radheshyam said folktales can intrigue students' interest towards the school. He asserted that folktales are a treasure trove of moral values and lessons that has to be instilled into the young minds to enhance their conduct.

Altogether 50 teachers from different schools of the state participated on the first day of the workshop.

Radheshyam urged the participating teachers to share folktales among each other during the training session so that they can imbibe themselves with the art of telling stories for the sake of the students.

He said the workshop would help reinstate the age-old tradition of telling stories from folklore ( Phunga-wari in Manipuri) to the children and the generations to come at schools, if not at home. Teachers, he asserted, have a very important role to play in shaping society. He said children are always talented in one way or another and it is the teacher who should discover the innate qualities in the children and make them a successful educated citizen.

Radheshyam appealed to the entire teaching fraternity to carry out their duty with interest and love and insisted that a school must be made attractive for children. He asked the teachers to be innovative while mentoring and guiding the young minds. He asked teachers to make learning and teaching motivating so that it encourages students to come to school and attend the classes. He asked the teachers to apply visual teaching to make learning fascinating.

The inaugural programme was attended by dignitaries, principals of the schools, concerned officials, teachers and students.