Mrs Hoinu Haokip, a mother of three from Churachandpur district was displace from her village due to recent conflicts. Life in the relief camp was full of uncertainty and hardship. With no stable source of income, supporting her family became a daily struggle. However, Mrs. Hoinu refused to be losing hope not only depend on relief aid and sought ways to rebuild her life with dignity. During such uncertainty and unwavering mind the organization launched a micro-support for women empowerment for self-reliance support program. Mrs Hoinu took the opportunity and avail the revolving fund support and focusing on loin weaving – a traditional hand – weaving her skill in this field deeply rooted in the Kuki community. At first Mrs. Hoinu found it challenging after years of disruption in the state. But with encouragement from the Green Catcher and peer weavers, she gradually regained confidence. With her sheer hard work, she began weaving beautiful traditional shawls and wraps, blending cultural designs with modern styles. Mrs. Hoinu earns a regular income through loin weaving. She is able to meet her family’s daily needs, support her children education. Weaving has restored her sense of purpose and self-confidence in supporting her family. “The small support I availed from the organization indeed rebuild my self-esteem after losing everything. Weaving has given me inner strength, hope and a way to support my family.” (Hoinu Haokip) With support from the organization, Mrs Hoinu Haokip has transformed her life from dependency. Her story stands as an inspiration to other displaced women – providing those traditional skills, when nurtured with the right support can build lives and strength communities.

Kineithem Kilong was one of the trainees from the 19th batch of the tailoring program initiated by InSIDE North East. When she joins the training, she was quiet and introverted, a mother of 1 girl, yet her eagerness to learn and grow was clearly visible. Before joining she was fully dependent on her husband. After successfully completing the three-month tailoring training, our team recently visited her home. We were deeply moved to witness her remarkable transformation. Her communication skills had improved significantly, her confidence had grown, and she is now more open and comfortable expressing her thoughts and feeling. She now started home-based tailoring business contributing to her family income. Today, Kineithem has begun applying her newly acquired skills from home and is actively contributing to her family’s growth and well-being. Her journey reflects not just skill development, but a powerful transformation in self-belief and independence.

Mrs. Chongboi Touthang, a member of Bilei NaRMaC, has witnessed a remarkable improvement in her family’s livelihood through the revolving fund support provided by InSIDE-North East. Last year, she received financial assistance under the revolving fund initiative, which enabled her to begin constructing a new home for her family. Prior to receiving the support, her family struggled to live in an old and fragile house that lacked safety and comfort. Through determination and the effective utilization of the revolving fund, she was able to gradually complete the construction and switch to a more secure home. This milestone has significantly enhanced her family’s living conditions while also restoring hope, dignity, and confidence in their future. Her journey stands as an inspiring example for other NaRMaC members, demonstrating how revolving fund support can bring sustainable and transformative change to the lives of rural families.

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are popular edible fungi native to East Asia, particularly Japan. They are well known for their tan-to-brown caps, rich flavor, and meaty texture. As the world’s second most widely cultivated mushroom, shiitake is highly valued for its nutritional benefits, being rich in B vitamins, copper, and other essential nutrients that help strengthen the immune system. Many people also believe that shiitake mushrooms possess medicinal properties that may help combat certain diseases, including cancer. The mushroom variety cultivated under our initiative is shiitake, originally introduced from Japan. It has now been over 12 months since the demonstration cultivation was completed; however, the mushrooms have yet to bloom. To better understand the issue, consultations were held with several individuals and experts experienced in mushroom cultivation. Many shared similar experiences, stating that even after more than 15 months, their shiitake mushrooms had still shown no signs of blooming. Some experts suggested that the delay may be due to the climatic conditions in Manipur, which may not be entirely suitable for this particular variety. On the other hand, several Naga farmers from Kohima explained that shiitake mushrooms generally prefer warmer climatic conditions, such as those found in Dimapur. They further advised that the oak logs should be allowed to decay naturally, as blooming often occurs during that stage. Experts from KVK, along with the founder of Ka-Inn Neocha, Pu Gautam, also encouraged us to remain patient. According to their experiences, even their own shiitake cultivation required more than 15 months before any signs of blooming appeared. As shiitake mushroom cultivation is still relatively new in Manipur, not only our organization but also several other groups have undertaken similar demonstration initiatives. However, to date, none have reported successful blooming. Therefore, we intend to continue monitoring the cultivation process over the next five to six months with the hope that the mushrooms will eventually grow and bloom successfully. At one point, we also considered whether the location where the logs were kept might be unsuitable for mushroom growth. However, experienced cultivators reassured us that the location itself should not pose a major issue. In Japan, shiitake mushrooms are commonly cultivated in natural forest environments without the use of green nets or special protective coverings. Nevertheless, for better protection from heavy rainfall and to ensure the safety of the logs, we decided to relocate them to another site. We remain hopeful that, under improved conditions, the mushrooms will eventually bloom successfully.

Despite being employed as a CHO (Community health officer) Vahneilal Chongloi, aged 49, joined computer training recognizing the growing importance of computer literacy in today’s rapidly advancing technological environment. During the course, she demonstrated strong commitment and enthusiasm for learning. Upon successfully completing the training, she invested in a new laptop and began actively applying her skills at workplace. This has not only improved her efficiency but also enhanced her confidence in handling professional responsibilities. As a gesture of gratitude and appreciation, she invited the computer trainer Thangminlal for a dinner and honored him with a traditional shawl called “Saipikhup

The team had a warm and cordial interaction with Seiminhao Dimngel from Ichaigojang Village, a proud graduate of the 9th batch of the Computer Training Program. After successfully completing the course, he has been actively supporting the youth club and village authorities by offering reliable computer services. With the skills and confidence he gained, he has secured steady employment and now earns a sustainable annual income, enabling him to support himself independently. It was truly encouraging to witness his journey of growth and commitment. Not every success story is measured by grand accomplishments. Bringing positive change to someone's life, even in small ways, is equally significant and we are beyond proud of what he has become today.

Robert, a resident of Saikul Bazar in Kangpokpi District, was once a healthy, energetic young man with many aspirations for his future. However, at the age of 26, his life took a difficult turn when he became addicted to drugs. What initially began as curiosity gradually distanced him from his family, personal goals, and the meaningful life he once enjoyed. Concerned for his well-being and hopeful for his recovery, his family admitted him to the K. Moulpi Rehabilitation Centre, where he could receive proper care, guidance, and an opportunity to rebuild his life. During this period, the team from InSIDE-North East visited the rehabilitation center and conducted a series of life skills sessions for the residents. Among the various activities, one session titled “Who Am I” deeply impacted Robert. As part of the activity, participants were asked to draw zigzag lines and later identify meaningful shapes or patterns within them. While drawing the uneven and broken lines, Robert began reflecting on his own life journey. He shared that the zigzag patterns reminded him of how he had gone astray and disrupted the beautiful life he once had through wrong choices and addiction. As the activity progressed, Robert discovered the image of a beautiful flower emerging from the chaotic lines. This moment became a powerful realization for him. Emotionally, he expressed that finding beauty within confusion made him understand that his own life, despite past mistakes, still holds value, purpose, and the possibility of transformation. The exercise helped Robert realize that even from a troubled past, hope and positive change can emerge. With renewed self-awareness and determination, he expressed his desire to reflect on his life, overcome addiction, and move forward with a more positive and meaningful future, holding firmly to the belief that change is always possible.

Ms. Boichong Baite, a member of NaRMaC, has successfully undertaken organic cabbage cultivation with the support of InSIDE–North East. Through the initiative, she received guidance and assistance in adopting organic farming practices as a means of building resilience and promoting sustainable livelihoods. During the first phase of harvesting, Ms. Boichong achieved a good yield with high-quality produce, demonstrating the effectiveness of organic cultivation methods. The harvested cabbages were sold through local markets, door-to-door delivery, and wholesale supply to vegetable vendors based on market demand. From the sales, she earned an income of Rs. 5,600/- (Rupees Five Thousand Six Hundred only). This intervention has enabled Ms. Boichong to gradually rebuild her livelihood through sustainable organic farming practices. The income earned has helped her manage household expenses and support her child’s education for the academic year 2026. Her achievement stands as an encouraging example of how the support provided by InSIDE–North East is empowering IDP/NaRMaC farmers towards self-reliance, resilience, and sustainable livelihood development in the district.

Genevia, a young girl from Gangpijang Village, is currently studying in Class VI. Following the separation of her parents, she has been living with her grandparents. Although they care for her deeply, they are gentle in nature and unable to provide strict guidance or adequate academic support at home. As a result, Genevia struggled with her studies, lived quite independently, and consistently performed poorly in her examinations. Recognizing her challenges, discussions were held with her grandparents, and with the support of the school secretary, Genevia was enrolled in the Learning Centre. Through the continuous guidance and encouragement provided by the Community Champion and Dream Catcher, she began receiving regular academic support and mentoring. Gradually, Genevia’s understanding of her subjects improved, and she developed greater confidence in her learning abilities. Over time, her academic performance showed noticeable progress and excel in every school examination. Her story reflects how timely educational support, mentorship, and a caring learning environment can positively transform a child’s academic journey and build hope for a brighter future.

Lamgoumang Doungel, a 14-year-old boy from Molkon Village—one of the remotest villages in our target area—is currently studying in Class VIII at Molkon High School. He is the eldest among four siblings. Tragically, he lost his father at the age of nine. Following this loss, his mother remarried and settled in D. Natjang Village, near Molkon. At a vulnerable stage in his life, Lamgoumang was given a mobile phone by his family, through which he reconnected with some old friends from the Bungpi area who had already joined a militant organization. Influenced and persuaded by them, he eventually decided to leave home and join the organization on 5th May 2025. Fortunately, through the timely intervention of family members and relatives, the leaders of the organization were convinced to release him. However, after returning home, Lamgoumang felt ashamed of his actions and became reluctant to continue his education or return to school. Upon learning about his situation, dedicated team members from our organization visited him and provided compassionate personal counselling. During the sessions, they encouraged him to reflect on his future and shared various career opportunities that education could offer if he resumed his studies with determination. The continuous efforts and encouragement of the team gradually brought positive change in his mindset. After a few days, Lamgoumang made the courageous decision to return to school and resumed attending classes on 20th May 2025. His family expressed deep gratitude to the team for helping redirect the young boy’s life towards education and a brighter future. His story stands as a meaningful reflection of the organization’s motto: “Changing Destiny, Changing Lives.”