Kohima: Aoyimti Baptist Church in Dimapur is pushing for formal disability ministries across all churches. Associate Pastor Yashimongla says this mission is vital. She believes faith institutions must take the lead in supporting Persons with Disabilities. "There should be a ministry for Persons with Disabilities in every church," she stated this week. Her call follows a successful three-year partnership between the church and the Anitet Early Intervention Centre.
Anitet, which translates to to nurture, launched its first center in Aoyimti village in October 2023. This effort involved the Keystone Education Society, the Charis Educational Society, and the Aoyimti Baptist Church mission board. A second facility opened in Duncan Bosti in February 2026. The ABC mission board officially labels the program an integral part of their work.
The centers offer Special Educational Needs services for children aged 18 months to eight years. These students live with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Intellectual Disability. Enrollment currently stands at seven students in Aoyimti and 13 in Duncan Bosti. Educators provide speech and occupational therapy alongside classes held Tuesday through Saturday.
Staff conduct three daily two-hour sessions to ensure focus. They develop an Individualized Family Support Plan for every child after one month of observation. The center also provides financial help to families and sponsors activities like the 2025 State Games for the Disabled. Plans for the future include adding professional physiotherapy and American and Indian Sign Language support. Ultimately, the team works to transition these children into mainstream schools.
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