SJC Jhakama students raise Rs 1.55 lakh for community outreach
KOHIMA, MAY 13 (MExN): Demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility and civic engagement, students from the Department of Sociology at St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Jakhama, have raised a total of Rs 1, 55,780 under the annual initiative ‘Sociology Gives Back 2025’. The funds were distributed among several individuals and organisations in need, reinforcing the department’s mission to translate academic learning into tangible acts of service.
A press release issued by K. Alibo Achumi, Head, Department of Sociology SJC (A) highlighted that the 4th Semester postgraduate and 6th Semester undergraduate students spearheaded the fundraising efforts through small business ventures and food sales. The beneficiaries of this year’s contributions included fire-affected families in Noklak, earthquake victims in Myanmar, an undergraduate student requiring financial support, and two non-profit organisations.
An amount of Rs 25,000 was contributed to five families in Noklak district who had lost their homes in a devastating fire. Responding to the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar following a recent earthquake, the students donated Rs 20,000 toward relief efforts. Another Rs 20,000 was handed over to the PAPA Foundation to support the educational needs of children who have lost their fathers or are orphans. A further sum of Rs 21,000 was provided to a 2nd Semester undergraduate student from the Sociology department, enabling the student to continue their education despite financial challenges.
The largest single contribution of Rs 50,000 was made to Tabitha Enabling Academy (TEA), an institution dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and offering inclusive education. To mark the occasion, a short programme was organised at the academy.
The programme was chaired by Benji Semp of TEA, and a welcome address was delivered by Vekutily Vese Ngone, co-proprietor of the academy, who introduced the faculty and the institution’s work in nurturing children with special needs.
Dr Hormila G. Zingkhai, Coordinator of the Department of Sociology, delivered a speech on behalf of the department, recounting the origins and vision of Sociology Gives Back, which she described as a legacy passed down through successive student batches. She highlighted the department’s focus on cultivating empathy and social consciousness among students.
The event featured a moving choreography by hearing-impaired students of the academy based on a Bible verse, followed by a solo performance by Anguzo Kense. Students of the 6th Semester UG Sociology batch presented a group song, after which Mhabeni Ngullie, representing the students, addressed the gathering. She spoke about the student-led fundraising efforts and expressed heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to support Tabitha Enabling Academy’s work.
Following the programme, the group visited Solidarity Park at the New Secretariat Complex for lunch. Later in the day, a team comprising four faculty members and five students visited the PAPA Foundation office at Billy Graham Road, Dimapur. They handed over the donation to the foundation’s Director and engaged in a meaningful discussion on the organisation’s work and future plans.
