NEISSR partners with Vitamin Angels, St. John School installs wash facility, and SCTE-K bids farewell to principal.
DIMAPUR — Multiple educational institutions across Nagaland recently organised community health collaborations, infrastructure installations, and farewell programmes.
NEISSR: The North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) formally launched its collaboration with Vitamin Angels through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the institute's BAM Hall on August 1.
According to an update, the partnership will provide community health fieldwork and practical learning opportunities for Master of Social Work (MSW) students while supporting evidence-based public health initiatives in Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima districts.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, State Program Officer for RMNCAH+N under the National Health Mission (NHM), Nagaland, Dr. Khelito Zhimomi lauded the collaboration as a timely partnership that bridges higher education and public health.
She noted that improving community health requires strong institutional partnerships and appreciated the initiative for preparing future social work professionals through direct engagement with communities. She further observed that the collaboration complements the state's ongoing efforts to improve maternal and child health and strengthen community-based health services.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Fr. CP Anto, Principal of NEISSR, said that the partnership reflects the institute's commitment to producing socially responsible professionals through experiential learning. He stressed that social work education must go beyond classroom instruction, enabling students to integrate knowledge, skills, and values while serving vulnerable communities.
Representing Vitamin Angels in Nagaland, Alice Kamei, State Project Manager, shared that the organisation is committed to working alongside the NHM, academic institutions, and local communities to improve maternal and child nutrition. She highlighted that engaging social work students in community-based public health programmes will nurture a new generation of professionals equipped to respond to health and social challenges.
Vitamin Angels, a US-based non-profit organisation, has maintained a presence in Nagaland since 2011. Through its partnership with the NHM and local organisations, it has supported initiatives aimed at strengthening maternal and child nutrition, including interventions to improve vitamin A supplementation coverage among children in the state.
As part of the collaboration, four students from the MSW programme will undertake their fieldwork internship in Mission 9 by 5, a joint initiative of NHM Nagaland and Vitamin Angels to improve vitamin A coverage, which is being piloted across Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima districts.
St. John School, Kiusam: St. John School in Kiusam town installed a new handwash facility on its campus on July 31. The facility was formally inaugurated in the presence of public leaders, church leaders, gaon buras (GBs), parents, teachers, and students.
The handwash station was blessed by Rev. Fr. Thomas Toretkiu, while Tsangli, President of Kiusam Area Gaon Buras (KAGBs), inaugurated the facility as the chief guest. He was accompanied by guests of honour Thangpong, Head GB of Kiusam town, and Pauline Phulem, President of the Kiusam Catholic Women.
Inaugurating the facility, chief guest Tsangli highlighted the importance of handwashing in daily life. He noted that many common illnesses are transmitted through dirty hands, including diarrhoea, cold, cough, flu, skin diseases, and eye infections. He said that the simple habit of washing hands regularly with soap can prevent many sicknesses and keep children healthy.
On the same occasion, the newly upgraded boys' and girls' urinal sheds were inaugurated by the guests of honour, Thangpong and Pauline Phulem. Both appreciated the school authorities for their initiative to improve sanitation infrastructure for the children.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the chief guest, along with student representatives and other dignitaries, formally washed their hands to mark the use of the new facility.
SCTE-K: The State College of Teacher Education, Kohima (SCTE-K), organised a farewell programme on the college premises to honour its outgoing Principal, Dr. Elizabeth Walling.
Delivering the tribute on behalf of the teaching faculty, Dr. Runi Nakro highlighted the milestones achieved and institutional progress made during Dr. Walling’s tenure. Tributes from non-teaching staff, student-teachers, and alumni commended her professional expertise and service to teacher education.
In her farewell address, Dr. Walling shared her reflections on the journey of being an educator and expressed her gratitude to the faculty, staff, and students for their support and cooperation.