Nagaland: Lockdown spurs productivity in Kohima’s Children Home

Chizokho Vero
Kohima | August 19

For 18 children at Bright Morning Star Children Home (BMSCH) Kohima, the COVID-19 lockdown is more of a challenge to be productive and explore their creativity, as they engage in art and craft activities apart from attending online classes during the pandemic.

Located at Perizie colony, BMSCH is one of the initiatives of IDEAL (IW) Charitable Society.

Talking to The Morung Express, BMSCH superintendent Aleno Angami shared the challenges and various activities surrounding the children/home at present.

Stating that 2020 has been uncertainty and somber year for the entire world, she said “However, looking on the brighter and positive side, this pandemic has indeed taught us some valuable lessons.”

It has also opened our eyes that humanity exists amidst the life threatening pandemic, Aleno said, adding that this lockdown has compelled many people to come out of their comfort zones and many started doing something else for good.

She said that since the lockdown, “Our home has been actively engaged in handicraft work apart from attending online classes.”

While sharing that it has been productive, Aleno also acknowledged that there were challenges involved.

“However, we don't want to let this be an excuse or a stumbling block to how far we can achieve but rather spend our time doing something innovative and productive,” she shared.

“In our children home we not only focus on their academic education but also on their holistic development and vocational trainings as well. Although, we do miss the normal life we all have to learn and live with it. Therefore, it is imperative to teach our children to adapt to the new normal and also educate them on different art and craft activities to keep them engaged and stay away from any mental disturbances,” Aleno said.

We are also preparing them for future employments and to help them become more responsible children, she said. For this, they are now engaged in work such as making murah (local bamboo stool), knitting sweaters, head/hair bands, shopping baskets etc.

We also give counseling to the children, choir practice, music class, computer class, work out, devotional hours etc., she said, adding the same are followed religiously along with recreational time, games and sports. The Home also adheres to various safety measures and social distancing protocols to stay safe from Coronavirus, Aleno shared.
 
Challenges

“Some of the challenges we are facing are related to their studies as we don't have sufficient phones for all the children. Though we are not missing any notes or classes it is not that easy,” she said.

Secondly, shopping for home needs is another task as it runs out very quickly and “we have to be extra cautious while going out for shopping during the lockdown,” she added.  However, we are learning to live and give the best education to these children under our care,” she said.
 
IDEAL (IW) Charitable Society

IDEAL (IW) Charitable Society was conceived and founded on March 17, 2012 with an inspiration and commitment to provide an ideal home for the poor, neglected and abandoned children who are deprived of the basic care.

It is a nonprofit organization and registered with the Home Department, Government of Nagaland, founded by Abi Angami.  IDEAL stands for Initiative for Destitute to Empower and Liberate.

Today, it not only supports children in need but has also taken up many initiatives towards the empowerment of women through skill development training and awareness programmes.

It also has an old age care project to extend its support to the elderly people especially those living in remote villages.

Ruokuo Angami, vice-president IDEAL (IW) Charitable Society guides the boys on art and craft activities while Aleno supervises overall activities along with other staff.
               
Bright Morning Star Children Home

BMSCH is one of the initiatives of the IDEAL (IW) Charitable Society to reach out to the homeless and needy children, and provide them a home with a healthy and affectionate environment. BMSCH houses 18 children at present.

The children are sheltered, supervised and guided in such a way that they develop their potentials and also expand their area of interest at a young age.

The Society also trains the children on handicraft works which will help them to learn to be self dependent, learn the dignity of labour and also acquire the skills that will benefit them later in their lives.