A two-day workshop for Care Givers of People with Disability was held at the Elwin Centre, CSI Deaf School Campus, Sachiyapuram, Sivakasi District in Tamilnadu on 16th and 17th April 2016.
World Vision India, Indian Disability Ecumenical Accompaniment (IDEA), standing forum of National Council of Churches in India, Engage Disability, Tamilnadu Christian Council and CSI Diocese of Madurai and Ramnad, jointly organised this workshop. This workshop module was designed to help the Caregivers and Church Leaders not only to cope with the challenges posed while handling a PWD but also to bring awareness about the modern approaches to disability care.
There were 50 participants representing over 20 care giving organizations from 5 districts, including caregivers from 18 Care-Giving Institutions, Parents and Relatives of PWD accompanied by church leaders.
Inauguration:
The Rev. Jeyasing, Director, Dalit and Social Concerns of the DMR inaugurated this workshop. Rev. M Dayalan Barnabas, Director, ELWYN Centre introduced the workshop, Prof. C Jebasinthai, Correspondent of CSI School for the Mentally Retarded, Satchiyapuram welcomed and Dr. Esther Kathiroli, Secretary of TNCC, greeted and Mr. Allan Benjamin, World Vision, Chennai and Mrs. Avitha Daniel, Jesus Enables Ministries, Chennai, served as the resource persons. Mr. Augustine Ponraj, Co-ordinator Dalit and Social Concerns, CSI DMR proposed the vote of thanks.
Aims & Objectives:
• To build the capacity of Caregivers in therapeutic techniques while addressing the different issues encountered by them and enabling PWD’s personality resiliency by different techniques
• To share and develop disabled-friendly infrastructural settings in institutions and to campaign for and facilitate their implementation.
• To empower, facilitate and share the use of already existing resources, services and good practices within the networking Care giver Institutions
Session on Mapping the Minds:
The workshop started with a mapping session, where the expectations of the participants were recorded along with identifying and listing the challenges in care-giving.
Mr. Alan (World Vision India) facilitated this session. The participants were made to work in for identifying their purpose and setting their activities. The groups highlighted the purpose aims and objectives of their respective care-giving Institutions. In another activity, Mr. Alan asked each participant to look at some given pictures (like the candle, tree, ship etc.) and then to write down the seen and unseen character of the picture. This activity not only gave a clear picture of recognizing the hidden talent of person with disability but also the keen observation of the care-giver.
The session was helpful as it enabled the concerned Caregivers to understand themselves and their care-receivers leading to a better proactive mode for understanding modern Approaches to Disability Care.
Session on Qualities of Care-givers:
Mrs. Avitha Daniel (Jesus Enables Ministries) facilitated a discussion on Different Types of Disabilities, how to approach them, and what should be the qualities of the care-givers. She also initiated a group activity emphasizing on the support through accompaniment needed for the development of the Person/Child with disability. During this activity four persons were chosen to represent each disability where each of them had to take a step forward for every positive thought shared and a step back for every negative thought thus reaching the target finish line. It was amazing to see the positive energy flowing through this activity where each care-giver demonstrated his committed skill in caring for their care-receivers. She went on to highlight the essential qualities required of the care-giver in facilitating the development of children with special needs and also the importance of educating the parents and their relatives about the various existing govt. schemes for the PWDs.
Morning Devotion
The second day (17th April 2016) started with morning devotion. Mr.Paulraj, Headmaster, CSI High School for the hearing impaired, Schiyapuram led the worship and Mr. Allen Shared the word of God.
Session on Modern Approaches to Disability Ministry:
Mrs. Avitha Daniel facilitated this session. She introduced the present and modern approaches to disability work both at technical and at ministerial levels. In this session she also highlighted the unintentional attitudes towards PWDs.
She invited the caregivers to come forward and share their best practices as individuals and as Institutions. This session also included a space for analyzing the traditional institutional attitudes toward PWD. The participants also were inspired to adopt alternate approaches both at administrative and ministerial levels.
Session on Accompanying PWDS:
It Mr. Allen facilitated this session with group activities. Participants were blindfolded and asked to draw a tail for an elephant. Through this activity he shared the importance of accompanying and guiding the PWD to give their best potentials. This activity was found useful and the participants were inspired to decide to become the best possible accompaniers.
The Concluding Session:
Mrs. Avitha Daniel facilitated the concluding session of the workshop. This was an eye opening activity for the participants to understand the challenges faced by a PWD in this inaccessible society because in this scenario the PWDs completely trust their Care-giver/accompanier’s guidelines in accomplishing their goals or to perform their daily routines and if they do not hear their care-givers voice they become more disabled in this fast moving world. Thus she emphasized the importance of the care-givers role who will not only accompany them but also builds a platform for PWDs to express and share their experiences. Hence the care giver should have genuine concern for their care-receiver. She concluded the session showing a Special Olympics video on a Mentally Challenged Athletic.
The two-day workshop ended with the closing act by, the Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Joseph Bishop, CSI Madurai-Ramnad Diocese and President of TNCC. Bishop invited all the organizations to work towards the inclusive society where every PWD and their families would be accompanied by societies and communities around them. The Office Bearers of the Diocese, Correspondents of the Care-giving institutions and clergies from different ecclesial confessions were part of the inauguration. Mrs. Leela Manohari(Bishop Amma) Rev. I Stanley Jeyaraj, Council Chairman and Rev. Jeyasing were also present. Bishop called the participating PWD members and were given an opportunity to share their learning from this workshop. The workshop ended with prayer and benediction by the Bishop. Mr. Augustin Ponraj and Rev. M. Dayalan Barnabas coordinated this entire workshop.
Outcome of the Workshop:-
Ø Stakeholders/Care-givers understood the impediments faced by a person or child with disability and the use of different techniques that would help the child perform better.
Ø It helped the stakeholders/Caregivers to assess their own capabilities and enhance them through accompaniment
Ø The participants were empowered to address complex issues when handling or interacting with a PWD
Ø They were able to identify the resources and talents of the PWDs’ by helping them to articulate the same.
Ø They learnt the importance of accompanying the PWDs’ and educating their families about the benefits available for PWDs
Ø The workshop brought about intentional attitudinal changes of Care-givers
Ecumenical news
Report on Two Days Workshop for Caregivers on ‘Modern Approaches to Disability Care’
/25 Comments/in News from NCCI /by Caesar DavidNational Council of Churches in India
Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation
World Vision – India
Engage Disability
Tamilnadu Christian Council &
CSI Diocese of Madurai-Ramnad
Pre-assembly statements (for NCCI XXVIII Quadrennial Assembly)
/24 Comments/in News from NCCI /by Caesar DavidPre-assembly Statements:
Download here: Pre-assembly statements all
NCCI XXVIII Quadrennial Assembly: Resolution on Public Issues
/25 Comments/in News from NCCI, Statements /by Caesar DavidWe, the delegates of the 28th Quadrennial Assembly of the National Council of Churches in India held at Christ Church Girls’ Senior Secondary School, Jabalpur from April 27 to April 30, 2016, having solemnly reflected upon issues affecting India in particular and the world at large, hereby pass resolutions on the same.
1. Affirming Secularism in Pluralistic Society:
The present Indian society is seriously affected by the phenomena of fundamentalism, communalism, saffronisation of education and cultures, restrictions on churches, christian institutions and their services, intolerance, shrinking space for freedom of speech and expression, attacks on religious minorities, criminalization in the name of God, Faith, Ideologies and Confessions.
We therefore resolve:
2. Affirming Human Rights in Indian Society:
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Rev. Dr. K. C. Abraham passes away
/25 Comments/in General news /by CommunicationsNCCI celebrates the life of Rev. D.S. Jeevan Babu
/25 Comments/in General news /by Communicationsto bring Peace and Joy
with arms of faith, and dreams of hope
Go forward sharing Love…
– Jeevan Babu
Rev. D. S. Jeevan Babu, God’s faithful servant who day in and day out fulfilled his ministry in quiet fidelity and love, was called ‘home’ this morning.
Rev. Jeevan Babu gave an inspiring witness of his love for God and self-sacrificing service in his priestly ministry. We thank God for his exemplary life and witness. He faithfully fulfilled his ministry up until the last few months of his life, when ill-health finally overcame him.
‘Jeevan’, as he was popularly called, served the National Council of Churches in India from February 1994 to October 1998 as the Secretary of the Unit on Mission & Evangelism. As an Ecumenist, he was involved with the study of Gospel & Cultures and took various initiatives to strengthen the faith of the recently converted Christians of various tribal people groups in India, especially of the Lambadi tribe living in Andhra Pradesh and in the borders of Maharashtra.
He subsequently served as the Communication Director of the Karnataka Central Diocese, Church of South India. Through his writings he sensitized people about the love of life and God’s plans through our lives. He published around 3 dozen books on creation, life and God’s love for us, humans.
The funeral will take place on 2nd June 2016 at the St. Mark’s Cathedral, Bangalore. Mr. Kiran Jeevan his son can be contacted on 09739057989 for more information
.
The NCCI family expresses its solidarity with his wife Kasthuri, son Kiran and daughter Keerthi and all the dear ones.
Roger Gaikwad
General Secretary, NCCI
New General Secretary for All India Sunday School Association
/25 Comments/in General news /by CommunicationsAs approved by the General Body of the National Council of Churches in India in its last quadrennial, the office of AISSA has been moved from Hyderabad and relocated in the NCCI Campus in Nagpur.
Rt. Rev. Dr. P. C. Singh, (President NCCI), Rt. Rev. Naresh Samuel Ambala, (President AISSA), Rt. Rev. Paul Dupare (Bishop, Nagpur Diocese, CNI), Rev. Dr. Ipe Joseph (outgoing General Secretary AISSA), Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad (General Secretary NCCI), Mrs. Rachna Singh (Member NCCI Executive Committee) and church leaders from Nagpur city along with secretaries and staff of NCCI participated in the installation service.
Rt. Rev. Dr. P. C. Singh inaugurated the new office of AISSA in the NCCI Secretariat after the installation service.
The Mizoram Synod has seconded Rev. Dr. Hmingthansanga in the service of AISSA. It will take care of his salary and other allowances during his service in AISSA. The church has shown us a model of ecumenical partnership.
Statement condemning Brutal Murder of Adivasi Priest in Jharkhand
/24 Comments/in News from NCCI, Statements /by CommunicationsNational Council of Churches in India, Commissions on Dalits and Tribals/ Adivasis are deeply shocked at the heinous crime of brutal murder of an Adivasi Priest, Rev. Abraham Biswas Surin from Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chotanagpur (Jharkhand). His body was found lying in a drain under the Railway over bridge of Rourkela Railway Station by the CRPF in the morning hours of 6th May 2016. His body bore multiple injury marks including a deep gash on the throat. The GRP is investigating the matter. The killer/killers are not yet traced and identified.
Rev. Abraham Biswas Surin, S/O Late Mr. Mansidh Surin was born on 12.08.1955. He had his theological degree B.Th in Gossner Theological College, Ranchi and was ordained as a priest on 21.05.1978. He served as a priest in various congregations, parishes of GELC before being assigned the job of Manager KNH Hostesls.
The attacks of the Christian adivasis, many of whom have been Christians for generations, is increasing because of the divisive politics in the area being played out by the right-wing forces. The murder of Rev. Surin, a Lutheran minister in India’s tribal dominated Jharkhand state shows that Christians are now becoming a target for attacks. Unless this attack and others are fully investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice, Adivasi Christians will only become more vulnerable and the community will come under further attack. A mass protest procession in Khunti town in Jharkhand has been organised on 11thMay 2016 demanding expeditious investigation and bringing the culprits to book.
We condemn the atrocities against the tribals/adivasis and urge the state Government to render justice to the victim’s family and demand the Central Government to ensure safety and security to Christians and take all measures to stop all discriminatory practices against Adivasis.
Executive Secretary
Dalit and Tribal/ Adivasi Concerns
National Council of Churches in India
General Secretary
National Council of Churches in India
Statement condemning the Torture, Rape and Murder of a Dalit Woman Law Student in Kerala.
/25 Comments/in General news /by CommunicationsJisha, a 30 year old Dalit Law student, was allegedly raped and found murdered on 28th April 2016 at her home in Perumbavoor of Ernakulam district in Kerela. According to the reports Jisha was tortured with a sharp weapon and her body bore more than 30 stab wounds, including a 13 cm one around her chest that reached her liver, pointing to the brutal torture. She was also believed to have been brutally kicked in the stomach as her intestines were out. She was suffocated to death and also was beaten with a hard object on the back of her head.
In present day India Dalit women are placed at the absolute bottom of the social hierarchy as they face systemic and structural discrimination threefold: as Dalits, as poor, and as women. The victim’s family faced social alienation because they were poor and Dalit. They were not even allowed to draw water from their neighbours’ wells. The harsh reality of the suppression, struggle and torture Dalit women face every day of their miserable lives are a direct result of the severe exploitation and suppression by the upper classes.
National Council of Churches in India calls upon Churches and all religious institutions to condemn the atrocities against Dalits and to impress upon the government of the State demanding exemplary punishment for the culprits and rendering justice to the Jisha’s family.
Executive Secretary
Dalit and Tribal/ Adivasi Concerns
National Council of Churches in India
General Secretary
National Council of Churches in India
Indian Churches’ Commitment to All Generations: Social Security and the Common Good
/25 Comments/in General news /by CommunicationsApril 28, 2016, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India.
The NCCI – Commission on Justice, Peace and Creation organised a National Consultation on Indian Churches’ Response to Social Security’ from 28 – 30 September 2015 by gaining inspiration from the Church of Sweden and with their accompaniment. The participants of the consultation suggested the formulation of Social Security Policy Guidelines for the NCCI Member Churches to set a model for the Indian Churches, Church-based Institutions and Ecumenical Organisations.Considering the importance and the need, the said Commission of NCCI developed Social Security Policy Guidelines for the NCCI Member Churches. These guidelines were approved by the Working Committee (vide resolution # WC 2015:40) and adopted by the General Body for implementation (General Body Res. No. 07/GB/201).
The guidelines were printed for circulation, and were adopted and released at the XXVIII Quadrennial Assembly on 28th April 2016 by the Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger, President of NCCI. The first copies were received by Ms. Karin Bodin, Programme Officer and Ms. Hanna Eklund, Programme Officer for India (Designate) of the Church of Sweden and all the Office Bearers of NCCI. Rev. Dr. Roger Gaikwad introduced the process and the importance of the Policy Guidelines while Rev. Christopher Rajkumar facilitated the release event.
The General Secretary has appealed to all the NCCI Constituent bodies to receive the same in their respective councils and appropriate bodies for approval, adoption and implementation. Rev. Christopher Rajkumar, Executive Secretary of the Commission said, “the Commission would involve in working with NCCI members for official adoption and implementation and also joining working with other Civil Society Organisations and initiatives to work with the Governments and appropriate bodies to process the people-friendly Social Protection Policies and Programmes”.
NCCI Communications
Direct link to document: download the policy guidelines document
A Christian Social Activist titled as’Jewel of India’ and ‘Mahila Rattan’
/24 Comments/in General news /by CommunicationsThe International Institute of Education and Management titled her as ‘Jewel of India’ and the Indian Solidarity Council has titled her as ‘Mahila Rattan’ (Diamond Woman) recognising her 35 years of grass-roots holistic development engagements against Poverty, Malnutrition, and Child Labour, and contribution to Adivasi and Dalit Women, Gender Justice, Girl Child Protection, Rural Child Development, Youth, Child Focused Community Development initiatives, Land, Water, Forest, and Eco-justice initiatives. She has also worked with Church and NGOs for empowerment and development of the marginalised communities.
Dr. Sasiprabha was on several Government committ Read more