Centre for Community Initiative

Date: October 10, 2026

Venue: Nute’ Bazar, New Lamka

Organized by: Mental Health Initiative (MHI), Centre for Community Initiative (CCI)

Supported by: Petronet LNG Limited

On the evening of October 10, 2026, Mental Health Initiative (MHI), Centre for Community Initiative observed World Mental Health Day at Nute’ Bazar, New Lamka. Centered around the theme “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” the public gathering convened more than 200 community members to break the silence surrounding mental health and foster mutual empathy.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Ms. Prescilla Ngaineivah (Project Coordinator, MHI), who emphasized the collective responsibility of building emotionally resilient communities. A moving musical performance titled “Dam na ut hiam?” was presented by Chingbiakdik @ Dikdik of The Malsawm Initiative (TMI), followed by the screening of a personal video narrative capturing the lived reality of losing a loved one to mental illness highlighting why timely intervention and open conversation are matters of life and dignity.

Addressing the gathering, Rev. M. Ginminthang, Child Coordinator, Evangelical Baptist Convention (EBC), reflected on faith, despair, and compassion. He noted that even revered biblical figures experienced moments of overwhelming emotional distress, encouraging anyone facing mental health challenges not to suffer in silence, but to reach out to available resources, including professional counsellors at CCI and pastoral care systems.

The observance culminated in a solemn Candlelight Vigil led by Ms. Grace Ngainunmawi (MHI), paying tribute to lives lost to suicide and offering quiet solidarity to bereaved families. The evening closed with a collective pledge administered by Mr. LMS David (MHI), wherein attendees including representatives from Only Grace, Sunrise (Home of Hope), Zomi Riders, and the Tunnu School of Nursing resolved to actively support peers in distress and dismantle social stigmas.

Centre for Community Initiative extends its sincere gratitude to Petronet LNG Limited for their continued support in making these vital grassroots initiatives possible.

A comprehensive bi-annual health check-up was successfully conducted for the students of The Malsawm Initiative (TMI) and the Child Development Centre (CDC) branches at Dorcas Road and Elim Veng. The screening took place at the Malsawm Ability Resource Centre (MARC), Pearsonmun.

The medical camp was led by Dr. Suanlianmang Phaipi, who generously rendered his services free of cost, with skilled clinical assistance from Ms. Mawilalnunsiam, Nurse. During the check-up, learners underwent physical assessments aimed at monitoring general wellness, tracking growth parameters, and identifying early health or developmental concerns.

Preventive healthcare and timely clinical evaluations are integral to the organization's overarching goal of supporting children with disabilities through all stages of their development. The Centre for Community Initiative conveys its heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Suanlianmang Phaipi and Ms. Mawilalnunsiam for their community spirit, medical expertise, and continued support for the well-being of the children.

Child Development Centre (CDC) Chandel team recently met with representatives of the CRISIL Foundation in Chandel to build a collaborative framework focused on financial inclusion for children with disabilities.

During the visit, both organizations outlined practical steps to assist beneficiary children and their guardians in setting up dedicated bank accounts. This initiative serves as a gateway to connect children with disabilities to vital central and state government welfare schemes, ensuring they receive applicable financial assistance, scholarships, and social security benefits without procedural bottlenecks.

Establishing direct financial access empowers families, ensures transparency, and lays the groundwork for sustained personal independence. The Centre for Community Initiative and CDC Chandel express deep appreciation to the CRISIL Foundation for partnering on this essential initiative and working together toward an inclusive community where every child receives the support they are entitled to.

Community Development Centre (CDC) in Chandel, an extension of Centre for Community Initiative (CCI) supported by SBI Foundation, continues its mission to provide accessible, multidisciplinary care, currently serving 40 children with disabilities through individualized support programs.

Recognizing that every child has distinct developmental requirements, CDC Chandel combines several specialized services under one roof. Our instructor-led group activities foster peer interaction and cooperative play through movement and social games, while special education uses structured learning materials and developmental tools to build cognitive growth and problem-solving abilities. In speech therapy, targeted interventions work to expand vocabulary and nurture confidence in everyday communication. Alongside these, occupational therapy utilizes specialized exercises and sensory equipment to boost sensory integration, core stability, and functional independence, while hands-on physiotherapy focuses on gross motor coordination, muscle tone regulation, and mobility support.

The success of these programs rests entirely on the unwavering dedication of our special educators, therapists, and auxiliary staff at CDC Chandel. Their daily patience, expertise, and compassionate care ensure that each child receives the encouragement needed to achieve personal independence and thrive within the community.

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.