
"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.
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.
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.
Centre for Community Initiative
Malsawm Ability Resource Centre (MARC), Pearsonmun, Lamka, Manipur - 795006