GSSCH celebrates 17 years of service to senior citizens

Our Correspondent
Kohima | August 2

The Good Samaritan Women Society (GSWS), Kohima today offered prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God and well-wishers for the blessings and support in sustaining the Good Samaritan Senior Citizen’s Home (GSSCH) for the last 17 years since its establishment in 2005.

Situated below new High Court Complex, Meriema near Kohima, GSSCH is the first senior citizens home in Nagaland. Presently, it houses 25 senior citizens.

Sharing testimonies during the celebration of 17th Anniversary of GSSCH on August 1, two senior citizens- Kasheli and Kanta Rai expressed happiness for being accommodated in the Home and said they were content with the friendly atmosphere and good treatment.

They conveyed heartfelt gratitude to GSSCH managing director Neithonuo Liegise, GSWS and all the well-wishers for their benevolent gesture.

“You are all like a caring mother,” said Kanta Rai, while praying for abundant blessings for one and all.

Gracing the occasion as the special guest, Bodeno S Colo, Additional Secretary, Social Welfare Nagaland and Secretary Nagaland State Commission for Women (NSCW), complimented Neithonuo Liegise, GSWS team and all those who are involved in taking care of the senior citizens in this Home.

Conveying greetings and best wishes from Martha R Ritse, Commissioner & Secretary for Social Welfare and Khrienuo Tachü, chairperson NSCW, Bodeno assured all possible help from the department and Commission in the best interest and welfare of the senior citizens.

He told the GSWS to feel free to approach the department and NSCW for matters relating to the welfare programmes for the senior citizens, assuring that the department would strengthen and facilitate them in whatever capacity it can.

Maintaining the setting up of this Home as God’s plan, she prayed that God would give more blessings, love, strength and wisdom to this Home and change many lives.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by CSWS vice chairperson Kevinourheno Seyie while legal advisor Kekhriengulie Theunuo delivered welcome address.

Kelhoulezo Shuya, pastor Meriema Baptist Church invoked God’s blessing.

GSWS secretary Kavini presented secretary report. Suiyipeule Liegise presented a special number while vote of thanks was proposed by GSSCH counselor Keneiwhenuo.

About Good Samaritan Senior Citizens Home
GSWS Secretary Kavini informed that GSWS was found on July 31, 1998 with a vision and mission to uplift the down trodden and under-privileged section of the society.

In 2005, GSWS set-up the first Old Age Home in the state of Nagaland with the burden and compassion to give shelter and quality health care to the destitute and childless senior citizens in Nagaland.

It was initiated voluntarily and self-sustained without any support from government for the initial 10 years before being recognized by the people and the government. Subsequently, in October 1, 2013, the State Social Welfare department awarded the founder Neithonuo Liegise with a special award in recognition of the commendable service.

The state government recommended and forwarded the project proposal to the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and received Grant-in-Aid for the year 2017, 2018 and 2019 for the maintenance of senior citizens home.

However, this financial grant was stopped after 2019, which made the Home to depend on those supports given by the individual, sponsors, churches and communities till date.

The GSSCH has successfully completed 17 years of rendering quality service to meet the needs of the elders in Nagaland. And to provide further healthcare, geriatric education to the elderly people elsewhere, it has opened two new branches. The first branch was inaugurated on October 1, 2020 at Ngwalwa and second branch at Longleng on July, 2022. Till date, over 100 residents have received shelter, spiritual and health benefits.

National Helpline for senior citizens in Nagaland
In 2021, the state Social Welfare department has selected GSWS to implement National Helpline for Senior Citizens in Nagaland, which led to setting up of Elderline 14567- Nagaland office and officially launched by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.

“It is functioning actively till date with increasing number of calls and service request every month,” said Kavini.

Through the initiatives of Elder Line since its official launching from September 28, 2021 till June 2022, the Nagaland State Transport has approved the reservation of 4 seats, free of cost, for senior citizens and persons with disability in the state.

SBI Main Branch Kohima has opened a separate counter for senior citizens.

Further, SBI authorities in all the districts has approved the maintenance of a separate counter for the service of senior citizens from date 1 to 5 of every month in all the districts of Nagaland with effect from August 2022.

A new Senior Citizen’s Home was set up in Longleng by GSWS, to facilitate the homeless senior citizens from Longleng.

Meanwhile, the GSWS envisions approaching the government, financial institutes or concerned donors for help towards the construction of a Senior Citizens Recreational Care in Kohima to facilitate the elderly society of the state for quality fellowship, learning recreation.

It also aim to set up the third branch of Senior Citizens Home at Tuensang district to provide further community’s service.
In this, it appealed for sponsorship and the concerned people have been requested to contact GSWS for the said purpose.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/gssch-celebrates-17-years-of-service-to-senior-citizens