Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 18
Prodigals’ Home, an NGO actively involved in sustainable development and equitable social order, awarded certificates to 23 students after completion of the 15-day course on ‘Social Concern & Leadership.’ Prodigals’ Home introduced the certificate course in 2013 and since then more than eighty students, mostly from theological colleges, have passed the course.
Principal, North East Institute of Social Science & Research, Rev. Dr. Fr. CP Anto, who attended the certificate award programme held at Prodigals’ Home office on Tuesday in his message, said every student of Social Work must learn three social truths: sincerity, professionalism and competence and, to be the ‘Voice’ of the voiceless.
Fr. Anto said a new concept of “possibility thinking” has emerged, the possibility of bringing youths and theologians on a new mission beyond religion, to serve humanity and address the social concerns of the society.
In the context of Nagaland, he said that in the name of ‘nationalism and sovereignty’, the dreams and aspirations of the youth have been shattered. “Who can give hope?” Fr. Anto asked and said it is the social workers, especially the youth with leadership based on service, who can provide a new way of “possibility thinking” to the society.
He said the youth leaders and social workers should shift from ‘micro identity’ to ‘macro identity’, to empathise with the neglected and marginalized section and be the voice of these people.
Associate pastor, DABA, Rev. I Wati Jamir, gave a power point presentation of the social concern initiatives undertaken by DABA like ‘Touch Dimapur Project’ which include social services like putting up traffic signboards, road divider stands, placing waste bins in various localities and planting ornamental trees. Rev. Wati also said the trainings and programmes initiatives of DABA included conducting spiritual camps for HIV infected mothers, district level world disability and motivational living utility services.
Director, Prodigals’ Home, K Ela said the course is a humble beginning in bridging the gaps in communication, networking and partnership for a better society.
“Much change can be brought about through effective leadership, effective leaders who are able to understand and analyze the root causes of carious problems in the society”, Ela said.
Assistant director, Prodigals’ Home, and Course director, Maong Jamir said the course is a sacrificial initiative of Prodigals’ Home, to contribute the available resources to the society.
“The future of our churches and society depends on our younger generation and the organization is ready to give its best as long as our colleges, churches, students and youths are receptive to the course”, Maong said.
