Bonnie Konyak
Dimapur | September 23
It is nothing short of a battle, a heroic attempt to rescue the remnant of childhood left in the hearts of children affected by alcoholism, drug addiction and HIV/AIDS. A handful of individuals have embarked on a process to light the spark of addressing this raging need for children between the age group of 4 to 12 years, with a three day in-house therapeutic workshop on the theme, “Courage to Grow” at Naithu Resort from October 18 to 21. Speaking on the theme, Initiator and Coordinator, Neichu Dz. Angami, says that growing up is scary especially under the circumstances where these children are expected to grow up before their time and despite their superficial ‘growing’, these children stop growing emotionally and psychologically due to lack of nurturing. Neichu expressed hope that by getting together, the children as well as the adults would find from each other, that courage to grow.
The workshop is a response to the much-felt need to address children-specific issues such as trauma and grief prevalent among the children affected by alcoholism, drug addiction and HIV/AIDS which are often left unresolved. Neichu went on to say that the need was felt by the NGOs working with HIV infected children but somehow, the means of addressing this need did not fit into the project available for the NGOs.
Therefore, the program would enlist the assistance of NGOs to identify children in need and to help them carry out follow-up programs, creating an enabling environment for programs and policies for children to emerge. The hands-on learning workshop without any lectures hopes to provide children with a safe space to express themselves in art, creative works, dramas etc and give them the environment of learning which is missing in their homes.
“In each of us there is a magic child, a genius who can fulfill their dreams, we want to nurture that genius”, says Neichu.
Surprisingly none of the four facilitators of the workshop Bambi Kevichusa Longchari (Morung Express), Neikhule Doulo (Consultant for Timelife Education Project) Rochelle D’Souza Yepthomi (Psychologist) and Neichu Dz Angami (Counselor for drug users, alcoholic, PLHAs and their families), are members of an NGO. The only thing they have in common is their love for children and a passion to see a changed life. Their message to the Nagas through the program is two-fold; one is to do away with the mentality that working with alcoholics, HIV/AIDS etc is the job and responsibility of NGOs. “We want to do away with this myth. You don’t have to be in the NGO to respond to such need and you don’t even need any expertise”, emphasized Niechu. Another myth the program meant to engage with is that you need a lot of money to do any HIV or NGO work. It is with this resolve that the workshop is being organized mostly through individual contributions. The facilitators have not sought any “HIV money” that comes into the state.
The enthusiasm over the workshop was contagious even as the facilitators explained their plans for the workshop. The children are to be treated to a medical camp with two Dentists, Dr.Lima and his friend to beautify the children’s smile and Dr. Zhimomi, a Pediatrician from Zion Hospital to give them a thorough check up. “We are very excited about it” enthused the coordinator. It is therefore, little wonder that the owners of the Naithu Resort, Neibu Nagi and his wife, have found themselves caught in the same eagerness as they are said to be arranging to make the venue friendly for the children.
At the end of the workshop, the facilitators have arranged for a Fun Night, with invitation to all those who supported the program, where the children would perform. “I am sure these kids will surprise us” Neichu remarked in anticipation.
Morung Express News
