Morung Express News
Kohima | September 15
“There are a lot of misconceptions when a child is born differently in our society. We deny them many of their rights and opportunities. It is sad that many of them are confined behind closed doors,” said Vekutilu Vese, Co-proprietor, Tabitha Enabling Academy (TEA) during a gathering of Tabitha Enabling Academy (TEA) and Alder College which was held on September 15, at Dr. Setu Memorial Hall, Alder College.
The gathering was held as part of a new initiative by Alder College, Kohima which came up with the idea of adopting the Special School last year where it has helped in providing financial assistance as well as sending its students and teachers to volunteer.
Two main observations on how differently-abled children are treated in Nagaland were pointed out by Vese. First is ‘over-protection’ where the parents overprotect their children by doing everything for the children with special needs instead of teaching them to be independent. Second is ill-treatment, where in some Naga homes, the differently abled children are confined to the four walls of the house and many times treated as servants and forced to do household chores.
“Sometimes the children with special needs are far better than supposedly normal students,” viewed Vese who invited the college students to come for internship or voluntarily assist the children. However, Vese noted that many parents today are learning to accept this situation and coming out by sending their children to schools, and TEA is one example of such progress.
Due to the lack of resources, many parents especially in other districts are not able to send their children to special schools. With this in mind, Vese shared that TEA envisions establishing its academy as a residential school and resource centre. “For many of the differently-abled, healing or curing them is not possible. The only cure and healing they can have is inclusion and acceptance,” remarked Vese.
Considering the gathering as ‘moments of inspiration’, Kevi Liegise, Chairman, Alder College acknowledged how the needs of supposedly normal humans are so insignificant and petty, compared to the differently abled and the many strengths and abilities they possess. “Everyone needs help. When we feel we are the wisest and strongest that’s when we need help. Even God needs our help. It is this need which is a reflection of God in our selves. It only takes a touch, a push, and a little help to raise someone,” explained Liegise.
Laying stress on the word ‘Enabling’, Liegise pointed out that the verb is a two way communication and act. “There are so many ways in which the challenged people, the differently-abled help the normal people in many ways. These are moments of inspiration which enables and empowers us. In more ways than we understand, they help us more in ways that are so much more powerful,” expressed Liegise.
Dr. Rükhono Iralu, Principal, Alder College expressed hope that other colleges and institutions in Kohima will also follow the initiative by adopting special schools and promoting inclusivity in Naga society.
During the gathering, a revue was presented by students at TEA where Wikimkamlieu, a hearing impaired student presented a Psalm 23 through sign language, followed by dances and songs by the students.
Tabitha Enabling Academy (TEA) began in 2012 in the basement of a Church (Chakhesang Baptist Church) in Kohima which started with seven children and three teachers. Because TEA could not afford to pay rent, the Church hosted them for over two years following which the Academy shifted to Sepfüzou Colony. Today, there are 35 children and 12 staff including two differently abled teachers. An important feature of the Academy is the therapies and trainings it provides. Vocational therapies such as craft making, pottery is provided for those with severe impairments. Self-grooming is imparted among the students so that the children can live independently by learning the basic life skills.
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