Mrinaljyoti Rehabilitation Centre Duliajan

The Regional Action on Inclusive Education (RAISE) Northeast is a project designed to support children with special needs, complementing the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) program for inclusive education in government and government-supported schools across selected districts in Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Tripura. Supported by international agencies Christoffel Blinden Mission (CBM), Light for the World, and Liliane Fonds, the project, now in its fourth year, conducts a situational analysis on inclusive education. Mrinaljyoti, a partner organization in RAISE-NE, collaborates with NGOs and INGOs to foster an inclusive educational environment in SSA schools. Actively engaged with five SSA partner schools, the project contributes to Mrinaljyoti's growth as a resourceful center, marking its commitment to enhancing the quality of education for children with disabilities in the region.

Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR), championed by Tom Shakespeare, Chair of Light for the World UK, is hailed for connecting people with existing services and fostering economic productivity. Originating as a WHO initiative, CBR is a community development strategy dedicated to enhancing the lives of persons with disabilities (PWDs) within their communities, ensuring their basic needs are met, and promoting inclusion and participation. Evolving into a multi-sectoral approach, CBR aims to break the cycle of poverty and disability by improving equal opportunities and social inclusion. Mrinaljyoti's CBR project, supported by various NGOs, launched on April 1, 2019, covering 22 villages under Tengakhat Block to empower 222 beneficiaries with disabilities across health, education, social, livelihood, and empowerment domains, as of March 31, 2020.

Parijat operates as a unit within the vocational section named Pushpdalum, falling under the flagship of Oil India Limited, Duliajan. Inaugurated on November 30, 2019, by Mr. Pranjit Deka, RCE, OIL, Duliajan, the project employs five children with disabilities who engage in crafting baby protection kits for newborns aged 0-3 months. These kits consist of various items, including wrappers, jhablas, napkins, caps, mittens, and booties, assembled into gift boxes purchased by Oil India Limited for gifting to newborns in the Oil hospital. Supported by Sakshyam, the CSR section of Oil, Parijat aims to empower children with disabilities, fostering their confidence and productivity in society. There is a vision for Parijat to become independent by commercializing its products, and with the support and blessings of all involved, a brighter future is envisioned.

Nelson Mandela's poignant observation on society's essence being revealed in its treatment of children echoes the sentiment of Wess Stafford, emphasizing the impact of nurturing or destroying children's dreams on the world's fate. Children's Homes, established by the State Government or voluntary organizations, aim to provide care, protection, education, and rehabilitation for those in need, spanning various vulnerable groups.

The Child Welfare Committees (CWC) play a crucial role in overseeing matters related to these children. Mrinaljyoti Rehabilitation Centre stands out as a significant contributor, currently offering hostel facilities to 7 girls and 22 boys with disabilities under CWC supervision. The diverse range of children in need includes those on the streets, orphans, working children, abuse victims, and more. Financial support from the State Child Protection Society (SCPS), Assam, reinforces the organization's efforts to provide a nurturing environment for these children.

UTTRAN (Disha Project) is an inclusive early intervention and school readiness scheme catering to children aged 0-10 with disabilities under the National Trust Act. The project, operational throughout the country except in Jammu and Kashmir, establishes Disha Centres for early intervention, offering therapies, training, and family support to Persons with Disabilities (PwD). At Mrinaljyoti, 13 Children with Disabilities have successfully transitioned into mainstream education through the Disha scheme. The centre provides a comprehensive team, including a Special Educator, Early Intervention Therapist, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Counsellor, Caregiver, Ayas, Physical trainer, and speech therapist. The facility includes infrastructure such as a Medical/Assessment room, a personal computer, an activity room, and a recreation room, alongside transportation facilities for PwDs.