Children With Special Needs (CWSN) under SSA, DMA Kohima who were assessed from November 1-6 and 9 at their respective EBRC’s and those with loco-motor problems requiring wheelchair/elbow crutch and escort allowance for ‘hard-to-reach’ school going children received aids and appliances and allowances from deputy commissioner & ex-officio chairman DMA, SSA Kohima, W. Honje Konyak at a function held at DC’s Conference hall, Kohima on July 23.
Speaking on the occasion, DC said, it was a special day for children with special needs and thanked the authorities for their efforts in making the programme a success, reported an official bulletin.
Briefing on the facilities available for children with special needs under SSA, he exhorted the gathering that having a differently abled child in the family should not be looked down upon as a curse as in olden times.
He said that now with the help of government machineries and other NGOs, children with special needs were going to schools like any other and not confined to their homes.
They also take part in all social activities and excel in various fields including sports. He therefore urged upon all parents, guardians and teachers to nurture the children and look into their needs and rights. He also mentioned that the church should also play a proactive role in such matters.
Deputy project director, i/c IE, SSA, Nagaland, Tali Jamir in his speech lauded Kohima district for their good work and stated that Kohima and Dimapur districts were doing very well.
He said that SSA has now started looking into the needs of the children with special needs and stated that inclusive education was a component under SSA where all teachers, parents, guardians etc should come forward and work together to strengthen the programme further.
He also elaborated on the schemes available for the children with special needs and the need for mass awareness.
DEO cum district project coordinator, DMA, SSA, Senthang gave the welcome address while the programme was chaired by project assistant, DMA, SSA, Kohima, Ruokuoneinuo. Gwachilo (Gugu) recited a poem ‘I am the child’ while students of Enabling Academy, Kohima presented a special number.
Altogether, 26 wheelchairs, 4 elbow crutches, 57 spectacles and 129 Escort Allowances were distributed on the occasion. The escort allowances contained an amount of Rs. 3000.