Ability Village (An Empowerment Centre For Persons With Disabilities) at Pearsonmun, Churachandpur

Thangpu Samte *

Lise Grande, the UN Resident Co-ordinator and UNDP Resident Representative at Ability Village, Pearsonmun, Churachandpur
Pix - Thangpu Samte

UNVEILING FOUNDATION STONE FOR ABILITY VILLAGE (AN EMPOWERMENT CENTRE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES)
Date: 27th July 2013
Time: 2:30 PM
Venue: Ability
Village Site Pearsonmun Village

A brief introduction about CCI

Centre for Community Initiative (CCI) is a non-profit organisation registered as Society in 2002, started by like-minded individuals dealing with various issues to provide a better society through community initiative and participation towards their welfare. CCI was restructured in 2007 when the Secretary, a father of a blind child, with parents of other disabled persons felt the urgent need to address the cause of persons with special persons' needs; to encourage one another in challenging times and to work towards creating an accepting society.

The Malsawm Initiative (A School for Children with Special Needs) is the first project of CCI which aims to provide appropriate service to children with disabilities so as to explore and enhance their potential abilities and enable their inabilities. The underlying objective being to deliver the basic Human Rights of persons with disability by catering their needs and emphasizing on their all round psycho-physical and social development.

The initiative is currently a non-funded and self sustaining organization based in a land leased free of cost. With the expansion in its activities and outcome, the organization is determined to broaden its activities and has started to initiate an Ability Village.

Lise Grande, the UN Resident Co-ordinator and UNDP Resident Representative at Ability Village, Pearsonmun, Churachandpur
Pix - Thangpu Samte

A dream coming true

As it has been long desired, the site for ability village has been acquired through the support and contribution of well wishers and of course with the strong determination and undying effort of the founding father, Mr Pauzagin Tonsing.

Event Report

With the arrival of the honoured Chief Guest Pi Lise Grande, the UN Resident Co-ordinator and the UNDP Resident Representative, the cultural troupe welcome her and her entourage with a cultural dance and a gunshot which traditionally symbolises the victor and honour of the fight for the cause of Disability among the tribes of CCPur.

Unveiling the foundation stone of Ability Village, Pi Lise Grande read out the engraved words, marking a landmark in the history of CCI. The foundation stone was then dedicated by the Gen. Secy of the EBCC Rev S Vungminthang.

Sounding the traditional Gong, the new landmark of CCI and the cause of Disability was inaugurated with a beautiful melody ' We Shall Over Come' sang by the students of The Malsawm Initiative (TMI).

The special number was followed by a traditional dance (Namlaam) anchored by the Hiangtam Lamka Young Paite Association (YPA) which was delightfully joined by the Resident Co-ordinator. The Resident Co-ordinator then planted a tree for the village as a remembrance of her presence and contribution to CCI as well as for the cause of disability.

Lise Grande, the UN Resident Co-ordinator and UNDP Resident Representative at Ability Village, Pearsonmun, Churachandpur
Pix - Thangpu Samte

The ceremony

then proceede with the students of TMI guiding the resident co-ordinator towards the village hall. Lia Kimremmawi then made an announcement about the details of the event where she introduced the activity to be presented by the students of TMI which was themed Butterfly Butterfly. The students activity was appreciated with a huge applause. The programme was then followed by a welcome speech by Mr Thanglalmuan who was a former student of TMI who now goes to a regular school. Indeed organisations true symbol of success and a representation of the undying hope and effort of the organisation.

The founding father Mr Pauzagin then made an introduction of the organisation and a brief outline of the efforts and sufferings in the two heart breaking years. The challenges that he faced as a father who wished to do all that he could for his visually challenged child. He also spoke about the success story of the organisation with the parents of the students of TMI who shared a common mind and experience. He also spoke about the story of TMI regarding its fiscal managements based on contributions and donations. He also mentioned his gratitude to Mr Vunglallian who freely lent his land for the incubation of the school (TMI), he has also conveyed his gratitude to the Salwan Media addressing Mr Harjiv and his wife Julia who has partnered and has helped CCI in various ways.

His sincere gratitude to Pi Lise Grande also mentions his heartfelt gratitude in her generosity in being present here. The speech moved on by mentioning the development of the social-psychology and perspective on disability which could be seen slowly and steadily developing sensitivity and care in the social community and social institutions such as churches etc.

He has also expressed his gratitude to the land owner of the land who kindly allowed to give away his precious land for the Site of Ability Village. His gratitude also extends towards the architect Mr Liankhanlun who designed the concept of Ability Village. The Design embraces an eco-friendly and of course a disabled-friendly standard to explore and enhance the abilities of persons with disabilities and enable their inabilities. He concluded his speech by remarking, 'Ability village is but one sideline towards achieving that goal'.

The Chief of Pearsonmun village Pu GThanchuung then gave a speech expressing his appreciation and gratitude to Pu Pauzagin and Lease grande who implemented such an institution within his village . He has also promised to Pu Pauzagin in extending his co-operation in the development of ability village in whatever ways possible. He has also conveyed his wish that the village would succeed and develop to succeed in delivering the care and support it is initiating.

The next event was then followed by a special number beautifully sung by Mr Thawnsangmung who himself is a PwD and a beneficiary of CCI.

The next event was followed by a speech by Rev S Vungminthang who was gifted a beautiful painting by the founding Father. He then thanked CCI and promised to see if he can join hands in the future with the organisation.

The next event was followed by calling harjiv singh who is the founding father and the CEO of Salwan Media. After gifting him a painting and a traditional Hookah, he gave a short speech briefly acknowledging his gratitude adn thanks to Pauzagin.

Pi Lease Grande then took the stage, receiving the humble gifts handed out by the founding father which included a painting and a traditional local made Hookah, she paid her respect to all the honourable guests and all the members, parents and audiences who waited for her arrival and has made such a wonderful arrangement for her. She has also mentioned that she has been in India for a long time but it has been her first tome to Manipur. He also salutes the CCI for initiating such a wonderful initiative in the country. She also said that 192 countries believed that the most important principle is the principle of self worth.

Her words spoke, The Unite Nations is honoured to nominate Ability Village for the .........International UN Award. We want the whole world to know what Pauzagin has done. To celebrate the extra ordinary children, we honour your beauty with respect. As a traditional gesture, the mothers of the community gifted the resident co-ordinator a handful of vegetables and cereals.

Lise Grande, the UN Resident Co-ordinator and UNDP Resident Representative at Ability Village, Pearsonmun, Churachandpur
Pix - Thangpu Samte

Pu Vunglallawm then took the stage where he welcomed Pi Lise Grande and her team with nature in this hill slope. He briefly told the history of Pearsonmun. He mentioned how he wished that the dreams of the little children in Abililty Village would come true. He also mentioned that he would.

In conclusion of the ceremony, the wonderful children of Lalpuithluaii Foundation School beautifully presented the song we are the world followed by the students of TMi slowly occupying the stage dressed in their traditional costumes. The touching sight, lifting the hearts of every one ignited an accompanying applause for the children and the song. Pi Lise Grande and Pi Julia herself took the stage to hold the hands of the Children with disability. With the melody going on, the song plays.......

Let's realize that a Change can only come when we stand together as one.