Dimapur, March 27 (EMN): National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NEIPID), in collaboration with Government of Nagaland, Cherry Blossoms Society and the Nagaland Parents’ Association for the Disabled (NAPAD) held a ‘Teaching Learning Material’ (TLM) distribution camp for persons with intellectual disabilities on March 24 at Old DC Bungalow Conference Hall, Kohima.
The programme, led by chairperson Zalekhrulu Lohe, began with an invocation prayer said by Neichüriazo Chücha, pastor of Lerie Baptist Church, Kohima. Additional Secretary of Social Welfare Z Nyusietho Nyuthe was the chief guest. The innovation prayer was followed with a welcome song presented by students of Cherry Blossoms School.
Shilpa Manogna, from NIEPID, who delivered the welcomed address, shared that more schools would be covered under the new programmes in order to provide computer knowledge to the differently-abled persons.
Short speeches were delivered by NAPAD Secretary, Kapochu-o Naleo and Purnima Kayina from Cherry Blossoms Society. Kayina emphasised on the importance of TLM (Teaching Learning Material) as it can benefit a person with slow learning capabilities and how it can make it easier for them to comprehend and thus making learning more knowledgeable and fun for them.
She also urged for more such programmes to create awareness and hold interactions with them. She thanked NEIPID, formerly known as National Institute of Mentally Handicapped (NIMH) programme, for making it a reality with the TLM coming to the region.
Chief guest and Additional Secretary of Social Welfare, Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, said there is no difference among people, whether abled or differently abled, since they are all created by God in His own image. Also highlighting on the provisions guaranteed under the Constitution of India, he said there are job reservations now for differently abled persons.
Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, Rajesh Soudararajan, who also spoke on the occasion, appreciated the works being carried out by the different organisations for the differently abled people in Nagaland. He felt that more of such platforms should be created to facilitate the learning progress of differently able persons.
While extending support and encouragement to such programmes in the region, he said quarterly or bi-annual camps should be held to assist the differently abled people. He also wanted more awareness to be created among the people on how to go about filling disability certificates with proper details to avail benefits from the government and different organisations. Following the programme, TLM kits were distributed among the children.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Atha Vizol, State Commissioner of Disability, who also delivered the vote of thanks. He further thanked NBCC church for making November 3 as Disable Sunday Day.
