A mega identification and assessment camp for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) was held at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima.
Kohima, July 30 (MExN): In celebration of the 5th Anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Nagaland Education Mission Society, Samagra Shiksha, organised a mega identification and assessment camp for Children with Special Needs (CwSN) in collaboration with Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) under the National Health Mission, Department of Health and Family Welfare in Kohima.
The event marked a significant step in promoting inclusive education and ensuring that no child is left behind, stated a press release received here. The initiative aimed to identify, assess, and facilitate support services for children with a range of disabilities to ensure appropriate educational interventions and access to entitlements.
The inaugural programme was held at the Directorate of School Education, Kohima and witnessed the participation of 82 children with special needs from the five EBRC Blocks under Kohima District.
Vikhweno Chale (NCS), Additional Secretary, School Education & SCERT, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of early identification and intervention in enhancing educational outcomes for CwSN.
Dr Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, Advisor, School Education & SCERT, Government of Nagaland, graced the event as the special guest.
In his address, Dr Yhome emphasised the Government’s commitment to equitable and quality education for all children, including those with special needs, in line with the vision of NEP 2020.
Emilo Patton, District Education Officer, Kohima, delivered the vote of thanks and Kelhikha Kenye, Deputy Mission Director Samagra Shiksha, chaired the event. Kevileno Angami, Commissioner & Secretary, School Education and HoDs of all sister departments also attended the programme.
The camp was organised at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) and a team comprising 11 doctors and 9 members of RBSK, under the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, carried out the medical assessments.
The children were screened for various disabilities including Visual Impairment, Locomotor Disabilities, Hearing Impairment, Dental and ENT Issues and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. As part of the services provided at the camp, on-the-spot fitting of hearing aids was conducted for children with identified hearing loss, ensuring immediate support and improvement in quality of life. Additionally, disability certificates were issued by the Medical Board to eligible children, enabling them to access various government schemes, aids, and educational support.
The camp was organised as part of the broader strategy under Samagra Shiksha to strengthen the implementation of inclusive education and promote the rights and dignity of children with disabilities. It also served to create greater awareness among parents, teachers, and community members about the importance of early diagnosis and support. Camps has been planned to be conducted in all districts in a phased manner under the celebration of Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam.
