EMN DIMAPUR, JANUARY 30
In connection with Master of Arts in Holistic Child Development course, a joint consultation on Holistic Child Development in North East India is underway at Eastern Theological College from January 29. The consultation under the theme, ‘Holistic Child Development: Ministerial Approach’ jointly organised by the Institute of Leadership Enhancement and Ministry Augmentation (ILEMA), Eastern Theological College and North East India Theological Association (NEITA) will continue till January 31.According to a press communique, the delegates comprise of general secretaries and executive secretaries of various church associations, principals of different theological colleges, theological teachers and students. Rev Dr Yangkahao Vashum, faculty member of Eastern Theological College invoked during the inaugural programme and Dr Razouselie Lasetso, Dean of ILEMA made the introductory statement on the initiative taken by Eastern Theological College which was introduced from the academic year 2013-2014, with an aim to equip dedicated young men and women who are committed to involve themselves in the Children ministry particularly in North East India. Rev Dr Mar Atsongchanger, executive secretary, ABAM in his keynote address highlighted the dominant issues faced by children today such as poverty, lack of access to education, child neglect, child labour, child prostitution, internet child pornography, child trafficking and slavery, violence through indoctrination, military use of children, life as refugees, infant mortality, HIV/AIDS and children with disability. At the backdrop of such issues faced by children, they are confronted with hosts of problems such as, fear psychoses, sleep disturbances, health problem, negativism, lying, rebellion, rejection, confusion and hatred. Dr Mar also pointed out that a holistic approach to child development seeks to simultaneously address the physical, emotional, relational, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of a child’s life. In this regard, he appreciated the ETC for the pioneering initiatives in the theologizing process. “Your committed efforts have made the theological education in India more pragmatic and the communication of the Gospel ever relevant to our people of North East India,” he said adding the issues surrounding children are not only to be addressed in terms of research, seminar, consultation and documentation but more importantly in terms of practical action because children are precious in God’s sight, and that the consultation being held will be directed towards becoming action-oriented. The first day of the programme concluded with benediction offered by Rev Zhabu Theruja, president of ETC.