Centre for Community Initiative

Event: World White Cane Day Simulation & Mobility Awareness

Location: Malsawm Ability Resource Centre (MARC), Pearsonmun

Organized by: Centre for Community Initiative (CCI)

In observance of World White Cane Day 2026, the administrative and instructional staff at Malsawm Ability Resource Centre (MARC) took part in an immersive experiential learning session centered on visual impairment and independent mobility.

The program featured a structured simulation exercise where staff members navigated campus corridors and pathways while blindfolded, relying solely on standard mobility techniques and tactile cues provided by a white cane. The hands-on walk offered team members direct insight into how individuals with visual impairments interpret auditory cues, detect surface transitions, and maintain spatial orientation in public spaces.

The white cane serves not merely as a navigational device, but as an enduring international symbol of self-reliance, dignity, and civic participation for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Participating in this practical simulation deepened our team's understanding of the physical and structural barriers faced by persons with disabilities every day.

By fostering firsthand empathy and practical awareness among educators, therapists, and administrators, Centre for Community Initiative continues to advocate for universal design, accessible infrastructure, and inclusive community spaces across the region.

Location: St. Mary’s School, Behiang Village

Organized by: Livelihood & Sustainable Development Unit & Mental Health Initiative (MHI), Centre for Community Initiative (CCI)

Supported by: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)

Under the ongoing NABARD TRIBES Project, Livelihood & Sustainable Development Unit with Mental Health Initiative (MHI) at Centre for Community Initiative (CCI) organized a specialized Health Camp at St. Mary’s School, Behiang Village, placing emotional wellness and mental resilience at the core of student life.

Growing up and navigating school life brings unique pressures, ranging from academic expectations and exam anxiety to social dynamics and adolescent transitions. Recognizing that cognitive growth and academic success depend heavily on mental well-being, the camp brought accessible, stigma-free mental health support directly to students and teachers in this border locality.

Facilitated by the MHI team, the camp featured interactive psychoeducation modules, group discussions, and experiential exercises. Through these guided sessions, students learned to recognize early signs of academic stress and emotional fatigue, while acquiring practical coping mechanisms, relaxation techniques, and self-care habits for their everyday routines. The discussions also placed strong emphasis on peer empathy, encouraging young learners to look out for their classmates and normalizing help-seeking behavior as a true sign of strength. Alongside the mental wellness sessions, general health checkups were conducted to ensure comprehensive care for every student.

Centre for Community Initiative extends sincere appreciation to NABARD for making this grassroots outreach possible, and to the faculty, staff, and students of St. Mary’s School, Behiang, for their active participation and enthusiastic reception.

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.