Centre for Community Initiative

The Malsawm Initiative (TMI) is the first and only dedicated school for children with disabilities (CwDs) in Churachandpur district, Manipur. Established to bridge the educational gap for children with special needs, TMI provides inclusive and specialized education for children aged 4-18 with Cerebral Palsy, Intellectual Disability, Autism, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment, Speech & Language Disability, and Multiple Disabilities.
TMI fosters a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students are grouped by ability rather than disability, allowing them to progress at their own pace. The school employs highly trained Special Educators who develop Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for each child, ensuring a personalized approach to learning and development.
TMI’s structured educational framework includes:
Early Education Programs (I, II, III) – Designed to build foundational skills in communication, motor development, and cognitive learning.
Open Basic Education (OBE) under NIOS – TMI is one of only two accredited agencies in Manipur offering Level A, B, and C, which correspond to Class III, V, and VIII, providing children with a recognized educational pathway.
Braille for Visually Impaired Students – Ensuring literacy and learning accessibility for children with blindness or low vision.
Indian Sign Language (ISL) for Hearing and Speech Impaired Students – Empowering students with communication skills through sign language instruction.
Beyond Academics: Therapy, Life Skills & Vocational Training
TMI integrates therapeutic interventions to support students' physical, cognitive, and social development. Services include:
Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy – To enhance mobility, motor skills, and independence.
Speech & Language Therapy – To develop communication skills for children with speech impairments.
Life Skills Training – Equipping students with essential daily living skills for self-reliance.

Centre for Community Initiative in collaboration
with NABARD, is driving two key projects for
community welfare and development in remote
areas of Churachandpur district. The first project,
Springshed Based Watershed Management
Project, is being implemented in G Bualjang and
Tuilakjang villages in Suangdoh Sub Division. This
project focuses on conserving and restoring natural
springs and their surrounding catchment areas to
ensure sustainable water supply for communities. It
emphasizes holistic watershed management
practices, including reforestation, soil conservation,
and sustainable agriculture, to enhance water
quality, biodiversity, and resilience to climate
change.
The second project, Border Area Integrated
Sustainable Farming (Behiang Cluster), under
Tribal Development Fund (TDF) is being carried out
in 7 villages under Singngat Sub Division, benefiting
200 farmers. The main crops include Grafted
Avocado and Mango (Malda). This project aims to
improve the socio-economic lives of tribal families
through sustainable farming, promoting stable
livelihoods, reducing distress and migration,
enhancing quality of life, and increasing women's
capacity and participation in the development
process.

Centre for Community Initiative (CCI) is committed to advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PwDs) by raising awareness, influencing policies, and empowering communities. Through targeted advocacy efforts, CCI works to dismantle societal barriers, promote equal opportunities, and ensure access to essential services for PwDs.

Key Focus Areas:
Community Sensitization – Conducting awareness programs to educate the public on disability rights, inclusion, and the importance of accessible education and infrastructure.
Government & Institutional Engagement – Training government officials, educators, and institutions on disability laws and inclusive policies to foster a more supportive system for PwDs.
Formation & Strengthening of Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) – Mobilizing and empowering self-advocacy groups to represent the interests of PwDs and influence local and state-level policies.
UDID Enrollment Assistance – Helping PwDs obtain Unique Disability Identity (UDID) cards, ensuring access to government welfare schemes, healthcare, and social security benefits.
Awareness on Inclusive Education – Promoting accessible and quality education for children with disabilities by working with schools, teachers, and communities to adopt inclusive learning practices.