A Voice That Matters – Featured Essay from the “Share Your Story” Contest

In April 2025, we invited students, teachers, and parents across Goa to share their experiences with the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While many showed interest, only one participant followed through — and that single voice deserves to be heard.

We are proud to publish this thoughtful and honest essay by our featured contributor, who has chosen to remain anonymous. Her story speaks to the lived realities behind the headlines and policies — and reflects the spirit of this platform: to listen, to learn, and to advocate for better education in Goa.

My Experience with NEP Implementation in Goa: Challenges and Opportunities

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts on the challenges and opportunities I face as a student under the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in Goa. This platform allows me to express not just my personal experiences, but also the hopes and concerns of many young learners like me who are living through this educational transformation. Being heard in such a moment of change is both an honor and a responsibility.

The NEP promises holistic development, greater flexibility, and a brighter future for education in India. However, as with any policy, the way it is introduced and implemented plays a vital role in its success. Unfortunately, in Goa, some aspects of its implementation have left students, parents, teachers and educationists confused, anxious, and honestly, a little disappointed.

One major concern has been the lack of prior communication regarding the Class 9 board exams. For many of them, the announcement came out of nowhere, giving them barely any time to understand what it meant, let alone prepare for it. At this stage in our academic journey, we need clarity, not sudden surprises. The pressure of board exams is heavy enough when you expect them — throwing them at students without warning feels unfair and deeply discouraging, especially since the Board Exam results,be it 10th/12th std or not, is an important part of an Indian student's school life.My juniors seemed to be under a lot of pressure all of a sudden, while they were looking forward to the last year of fun and frolic before the most crucial year of high school - their Class 10 journey.

Then towards the end of the academic year came the issue of the sudden reopening of schools in April, right at the peak of Goa’s harsh summer. The scorching heat made it incredibly difficult to sit through classes and focus. Most schools aren't equipped with basic cooling facilities, in house canteens and lunch amenities and attending full-day classes in that kind of weather was both exhausting and unhealthy. If we’re truly aiming for better learning outcomes, shouldn't our physical comfort and well-being be considered part of the learning environment?

Another big issue that hasn't been addressed properly is the lack of communication about school options for students entering Std 11. Many students were left uncertain and unsure about whether they were having classes whilst the others classes seemed to have been informed already. Most of us 11th Graders relied on our Higher Secondary Schools for further information immediately after finalizing admissions. In a system that claims to empower learners, this kind of silence is worrying.

And let’s not forget the lack of school infrastructure and facilities to support the extended hours and revised curriculum the NEP encourages. Many schools simply do not have the classrooms, labs, or even enough teachers to handle the new demands. While the goals of the NEP sound great on paper, in practice, it feels like we’re being rushed into a system that isn’t ready for us — and we’re the ones paying the price.

Despite these challenges, I do believe the NEP holds promise. Its emphasis on skill-based learning, inclusion of regional languages, and flexibility in subject choices can truly empower students in the long run. But to make that vision real, we students must be treated as actual participants in the process — not afterthoughts Or an experimental batch as in the case of the class 9 students in the previous academic year. We need to be informed, respected, and supported through these transitions.

In conclusion, I sincerely urge the authorities to communicate more clearly, plan more thoughtfully, and prioritize student well-being as they roll out the NEP. We aren’t asking for perfection — we’re asking to be seen, heard, and understood. With better planning and genuine care, we can work together to build an education system that’s not just new, but truly better.

Why This Story Matters

Even one voice can speak volumes. Through her words, this participant reminds us that education is not just a policy — it’s a personal journey, filled with questions, hopes, challenges, and change.

We thank her for her honesty, and for choosing to participate when others hesitated. Her courage is the foundation of what we hope will become a larger, ongoing space for community storytelling.

If you’ve read this and thought, “I’ve been through something like this too,” we’d love to hear from you. Write to us at goaeducationmatters@gmail.com — no contest, no pressure, just a chance to be heard.

Let’s continue the conversation.

— Team Goa Education Matters
📧 goaeducationmatters@gmail.com
🌐 www.goaeducationmatters.com