"Started in 2002 and restructured in 2007, the Centre for Community Initiative (CCI) is a non-governmental, apolitical, and not-for-profit organization founded to deal with pressing societal issues and ultimately establish a better society through community initiative and participation for the welfare of society in general and to persons with disabilities (PwDs) in particular.
In observance of International Sign Language Day, the Centre for Community Initiative organized an interactive sign language orientation and immersion activity at the MARC conference room.
The learning session was led by Class XII learners Chiinkhawlching and Daisy Phalthiankim, who served as resource persons. They introduced administrative staff and student interns from Rayburn College to the fundamentals of Indian Sign Language (ISL), including the alphabet, numerical signs, and essential phrases used in everyday communication.
Following the instructional session, participants and students from Level-A and above observed a scheduled "Non-verbal Communication" challenge spanning from the lunch break through the third period. During this time, speech was paused across routine interactions, encouraging everyone to rely on visual cues, gestures, and learned signs to communicate.
The initiative highlighted student leadership, fostered practical empathy among staff and interns, and reaffirmed the organization’s ongoing commitment to building accessible, inclusive environments for all.
Project Mindlink, supported by Petronet LNG Limited, the Mental Health Initiative (MHI) team recently conducted interactive mental health awareness sessions at partner schools, including V K Tawna High School and New Lamka Upper Primary School (Govt School).
The sessions actively engaged community barefoot counsellors to facilitate open, supportive environments for both students and educators. Discussions focused on understanding emotional wellness, adopting practical coping mechanisms, and encouraging positive peer-support practices within the school setting.
Through these school-based outreach activities, Project Mindlink continues to foster emotional resilience, reduce stigma around mental health, and nurture supportive community environments. Sincere gratitude is extended to Petronet LNG Limited for their partnership and ongoing support toward strengthening mental health and well-being in school communities.
Lamka Sept 21, 2026: Educators gathered at NLUPS for the first day of the Key Teachers’ Refresher Training program. The session brought together participants from Group 1, featuring dedicated teachers from VK Tawna High, Little Gems Academy, and New Lamka Upper Primary School (NLUPS).
The training focused on strengthening teaching methodologies, sharing hands-on classroom strategies, and reinforcing practices that support inclusive, learner-friendly school environments. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, teachers reflected on everyday classroom challenges and explored effective ways to support diverse learners.
The enthusiastic participation from all three schools set a positive tone for the refresher series, reaffirming a shared commitment to building stronger foundations for inclusive education in our community.
On September 17, 2026, our team convened for a dedicated capacity-building session on Mental Health Management held at Hebron Farm, Mata Mualtam.
Conducted by Counsellor Chingngaihlian Tunglut, the afternoon session focused on essential strategies for personal wellbeing, emotional regulation, and stress management in high-impact work environments. Set against the peaceful backdrop of Hebron Farm, the program offered staff an intentional space to disconnect from routine tasks, engage in open reflection, and build practical tools for workplace empathy and resilience.
Key highlights of the session included:
Investing in staff mental health is fundamental to organizational sustainability. When caregivers and educators are supported with the tools to maintain their own emotional wellbeing, they are far better equipped to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to the children and communities they support.
We extend our sincere thanks to Miss Chingngaihlian Tunglut for facilitating a thoughtful, impactful session.
On September 10, 2026, the Rayburn College Auditorium hosted an observance of World Suicide Prevention Day centered around the global theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide: Start the Conversation.” The event was jointly organized by Centre for Community Initiative (CCI), the Department of Psychology, and Mental Health Club (MHC) of Rayburn College, with support extended by Petronet LNG Limited.
The session was compered by Ms. Thuamremkim and Ms. Elina Nemthianhoi (PG 3rd Semester). The morning opened with a welcome address delivered by Ms. Chinglianniang, MHC In-charge, followed by an insightful discourse from College Chaplain H. Liansuanthang titled “Theological Perspective on Suicide.” The audience was also treated to musical presentations by Ms. Chingmuankim (UG 3rd Semester, Rayburn College) and Chingbiakdik @ Dikdik (EE-III) representing TMI/CCI. Expanding on the core message of the day, Prescilla Ngaineivah, Project Coordinator for the Mental Health Initiative at CCI, addressed the gathering on critical approaches to suicide prevention and community awareness.
A major highlight of the program was the declaration of results for the “Changing the Narrative” Reel Competition, which engaged 14 registered participants who used creative digital storytelling to foster mental health conversations:
In recognition of their creative collaboration, special tokens of gratitude were presented to content creators Rythmic Zomi, Erick, Rudy Vaiphei, and Zenngaihsang for their support in producing awareness video materials.
The gathering concluded with a formal vote of thanks offered by LMS David, Consultant for the Mental Health Initiative at CCI, reaffirming our shared commitment to breaking stigmas and sustaining compassionate mental health dialogue across the community.
As part of our continuous commitment to professional growth and child-centered care, staff members of The Malsawm Initiative (TMI) are currently engaged in an intensive three-day training program on Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL).
The specialized sessions, conducted by esteemed resource person Mrs. Pallavi Kulshrestha,
Associate Director - National Partnerships, Dream a Dream are designed to equip educators, therapists, and caregivers with practical methodologies that address both the emotional and communicative needs of students with disabilities. Participants are exploring hands-on techniques to foster emotional literacy, support self-regulation, and build structured in daily classroom settings.
We express our sincere appreciation to Mrs. Pallavi for her dedication, valuable expertise, and impactful mentorship. By continually expanding our team’s capabilities, TMI ensures that every child receives nurturing, individualized support within an inclusive learning environment.
Centre for Community Initiative
Malsawm Ability Resource Centre (MARC), Pearsonmun, Lamka, Manipur - 795006
