Dimapur, AUG 26 (MExN): Prodigals’ Home first Drop in Centre (DIC) for Vulnerable Children was officially inaugurated today at Haralu colony, Opposite Hills Star Hotel, Dimapur. A free medical camp was also organized after the inaugural function. Dr. Mhabemo formally inaugurated the centre as the Chief Guest. Dr. Lawrence and Dr. Choudhary along with nurses and some members from Orchid Project conducted the medical camp.
The drop in centre is financially supported by Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS). Besides, other well wishers and individuals have been contributing to the center’s activities for the upliftment and welfare of the street children. “We got some charity help from the Commercial Medical Representative Union, second- hands clothes dealers donated around four bags of clothes, well wishers have contributed some recreational items along with some amount of cash”, said the coordinator of the DIC, Maong. More than 50 vulnerable children were registered for the free medical camp, most of them whose parents earn a living from picking rags and waste materials and residing in slums and unhygienic areas in the city.
The Drop in Centre which is one of the two target project initiated by NSACS, has been operating for quite sometime now with around 70 children already registered in the centre. It is the first ever and the only DIC for street children in Nagaland which is presently under the care of 8 member staffs. The main objective of the centre is to create an enabling environment for the street children where they can come and access the service and prevent themselves and their peers from the vulnerabilities of HIV/AIDS.
The centre also provides the children with basic needs, non-formal education, medical aid and referrals, awareness programs, condom promotion and social marketing, safe drinking water facility and recreational activities.
