North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR), Chümoukedima, organized a series of academic study tours for the Master of Social Work (MSW) 4th Semester trainees of Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies (PCTS), Community Development (CD), Youth Development (YD), and Social Entrepreneurship Development (SED) specializations during January–February 2026. These study tours formed an integral component of the MSW curriculum and aimed to enhance experiential learning, professional exposure, and field-based competencies among trainees through direct engagement with social development institutions and communities.
The PCTS study tour was conducted from 26th January to 3rd February 2026 under the theme “Peace Through Experience.” Covering Guwahati, Shillong, and Bhutan, the tour was guided by Mr. Barnic Gangmei, Assistant Professor, NEISSR, who served as Faculty In-Charge. The exposure aimed to bridge classroom-based theoretical learning with real-world practice in peacebuilding, conflict transformation, governance, and rights-based interventions. Trainees visited institutions such as the North Eastern Social Research Centre (NESRC), North East Network (NEN), Caritas India – Guwahati Region, Women Development Centre (WDC), and Shantivan Leprosy Rehabilitation Centre. Cultural exposure in Meghalaya and Bhutan, including Mawlynnong village, enriched their understanding of sustainable community practices, indigenous traditions, and peaceful coexistence.
The MSW trainees specializing in Community Development (CD) undertook a study tour to Kolkata from 24th January to 4th February 2026. The visit enabled students to explore diverse cultures, heritage sites, and the varied functioning of NGOs across Kolkata. Students rendered services at Shanti Dan, Prem Dan, and Nirmal Hriday, organizations working with the destitute, orphans, and persons with disabilities, reflecting the core social work value of service. Institutional visits to the Child in Need Institute (CINI), Calcutta Rescue, and the Institute for Indian Mother and Child (IIMC) provided insights into child protection, community health, education, women’s empowerment, and livelihood initiatives. An interaction with Dr. Sujit Kumar Brahmochary, Founder and Director of IIMC, inspired trainees through his journey of establishing extensive healthcare and education services for underprivileged communities. The students also visited Mother Teresa’s House, the Victoria Memorial, the Indian Museum, Science City, and Eco Park, enhancing their cultural and historical understanding.
Similarly, the MSW trainees of Youth Development (YD) specialization successfully completed a study tour to Kolkata and Sikkim from 24th January to 6th February 2026. The tour provided exposure to youth-focused organizations and community initiatives. Students interacted with organizations such as Mother’s House, House of Hope, SEVA Kendra, Child in Need Institute (CINI), ADORE, Destiny Reflection, Prayasam, and the All Bengal Men’s Forum (ABMF), and also engaged with urban slum communities to understand grassroots realities. Visits to heritage sites including the Victoria Memorial and Eco Park, as well as exposure to Sikkim’s Changu Lake and Nathula Pass, enriched their understanding of youth development across diverse socio-cultural contexts.
The MSW trainees of Social Entrepreneurship Development (SED) specialization also undertook a study tour to Kolkata as part of their academic requirement. The tour aimed to provide practical exposure to the functioning, funding models, challenges, strategies, and success stories of organizations engaged in social entrepreneurship and community development. The trainees visited organizations such as Udayani Social Action Forum, Udayan Shalini Fellowship, Lifeline Foundation, Jayiyo Kristiyo Prochar Samity (JKPS), Prayasam, ADORE Volunteer Organization, Destiny Foundation, House of Hope, and the Mother Teresa House of the Missionaries of Charity. Through interactions with founders, staff, and beneficiaries, the trainees gained insights into organizational structures, financial sustainability, programme implementation, leadership, and ethical administration. They also visited places of historical and environmental significance including the Zoological Garden, Indian Museum, Eco Park, and the Victoria Memorial, broadening their cultural perspectives.
Overall, the study tours proved to be meaningful academic engagements that bridged theoretical knowledge with field realities. They strengthened trainees’ understanding of peacebuilding, community development, youth engagement, and social entrepreneurship, while reinforcing the professional values of teamwork, discipline, service, and social commitment. NEISSR continues to uphold practice-based education and field immersion as core components of its social work programmes, equipping students to become competent and compassionate professionals committed to social transformation.
https://morungexpress.com/neissr-organises-msw-study-tours-across-india-bhutan
