North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), Peace Centre, 7th Mile, Chümoukedima, Nagaland, welcomed Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) students on 21st January 2026 with a vision-setting address by Dr. Fr. C.P. Anto, Principal, titled “The Architect of Social Change: Mastering the 30 Essential Skills.” The address marked the beginning of the 3-day Orientation Programme and outlined NEISSR’s distinctive philosophy of skill-based, mission-driven social work education.
Addressing the students, Dr. Fr. C.P. Anto emphasized that entering the campus is not merely an admission into a college, but an entry into a mission-driven laboratory for social transformation. The institution reiterated its belief that a Social Work degree is not a certificate of what one has read, but a testament to the skills one masters and the lives one is prepared to uplift.
Highlighting the practitioner’s role in bridging the gap between theory and reality, social workers were described as “social architects” – professionals who employ high-level competencies to rebuild broken systems and respond to complex social challenges. In this context, NEISSR introduced its framework of 30 essential professional and life skills, clarifying that these skills are developed progressively throughout all semesters and are not confined to the orientation programme alone.
The importance of The Art of Engagement was stressed, with emphasis on counselling and empathetic listening as professional interventions rather than emotional responses. Students were oriented toward developing cultural competence and inclusivity to work effectively within the diverse social fabric of the North East. Emotional intelligence and stress management were highlighted as essential capacities that enable practitioners to support others without compromising their own well-being.
Recognizing social work as both an art and a science, NEISSR emphasized The Power of Analysis, including critical and analytical thinking, research writing, documentation, and evidence-based problem-solving. Students were encouraged to transform field experiences into knowledge that informs policy, strengthens practice, and ensures impactful decision-making during moments of social crisis.
A defining strength of NEISSR’s pedagogy – its focus on peacebuilding, dialogue, and reconciliation – was reiterated. Students are introduced to conflict resolution and mediation as core competencies that prepare them to function as peace leaders, capable of healing divisions and restoring trust within communities.
The address also highlighted operational excellence and management skills, including project planning, monitoring and evaluation, time management, self-discipline, digital literacy, networking, advocacy, and policy engagement. These competencies were presented as essential tools for moving beyond individual-level interventions toward sustainable, system-level social change.
In preparing students for professional life, emphasis was placed on communication, public speaking, ethical practice, and professional integrity. Through continuous fieldwork and community engagement, the 30 essential skills are forged through real-world practice, ensuring students graduate as competent and ethically grounded professionals.
NEISSR reaffirmed that society today does not merely need degree holders, but skilled practitioners with values, character, and technical competence. Students were encouraged to embrace the rigor of the academic journey, recognizing that each skill mastered becomes a tool for building a more just, peaceful, and sustainable society.
The Orientation Programme will continue with academic briefings, fieldwork orientation, institutional familiarization, and student engagement activities, laying a strong foundation for the comprehensive skill-development process embedded throughout the BSW and MSW programmes.
NEISSR warmly welcomes all to begin the journey of transforming themselves so that they may transform society.
https://morungexpress.com/neissr-welcomes-social-work-students-with-orientation-prog
