DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION OF NAGALAND
Our Commitment
DAN is committed to the holistic empowerment of the indigenous communities of Nagaland by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and aptitudes needed to rise to the multifarious challenges of our times. We strive to uphold fundamental rights, create opportunities for the most vulnerable, and foster self-reliance by enabling individuals and communities to take ownership of their challenges and cultivate solutions from within. Rooted in the strength of appreciative learning, we believe in harnessing local wisdom and potential to address the key issues affecting our society. Through sustainable initiatives and collaborative efforts, we empower Naga communities to adapt, innovate, and thrive in an ever-changing world. Together, we build resilience, dignity, and a future where every individual can realize their fullest potential.
"Empowering Nagaland, One Community at a Time."
Vision and Mission
Vision
A progressive and harmonious society founded on universal values of compassion, justice, peace, and unity.
Mission
Nurturing the innate potential of every individual and community in Nagaland, with special care for the vulnerable, through compassionate education, meaningful skills, dignified livelihoods, and collective stewardship of health, culture, and nature – so each voice is heard, each life is valued, and together we walk towards a harmonious future.
CORE VALUES
Our endeavours are guided by the Catholic Social Teachings which are integral to the core values of the organization.
- Life and dignity of the human person
- Call to Family, Community and Participation
- Rights and Responsibilities
- Option for the poor and the vulnerable
- Dignity of work and Rights of the workers
- Solidarity, Harmony and Peace
- Care for God’s Creation
HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATION
The organization was established in 1975 following the formation of the Diocese of Kohima-Imphal. Initially named the Diocesan Social Service Society, it functioned as an advisory body from 1975 to 1980, overseeing project formulation and implementation with a part-time Director and a small secretariat. During this period, its primary focus was on developing institutional infrastructure for the newly constituted Diocese.
In 1980, the organization transitioned into an independent entity with the appointment of a full-time Director and the establishment of a governing body and executive council. Further restructuring occurred in 1985, when the Society was reconstituted to include greater representation from lay professionals, community leaders, and intellectuals, enhancing its secular character. It was subsequently registered under the Societies Registration Act.
The organization’s early initiatives centred on expanding access to education and healthcare. Under its stewardship, over 25 hostels and primary schools were established, alongside an equal number of primary health facilities. Its educational interventions sought to improve primary school enrollment and secondary education completion rates at a time when Nagaland’s formal education system was still nascent. Concurrently, the organization worked to address rural poverty through resource mobilization, capacity building, and targeted development projects, fostering a more professional approach to social welfare management within the Diocese.
Collaboration has been a cornerstone of its operations, with partnerships extending to national and international agencies such as Caritas India, CRS, Misereor, the Italian Bishops Conference, the Global Fund, and various government departments.
Over time, its focus has evolved to meet emerging challenges. Current interventions span community health (HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, disabilities, and lifestyle diseases), livelihood programs (self-help groups, microfinance, and capacity building), and peacebuilding initiatives (conflict research, cultural harmony, and youth engagement).
Notable recent and ongoing initiatives include:
- Child Rights Protection: Implemented through The Morung, Children’s Parliament Initiative, and A Hand to Hold, ensuring safe environments and advocacy for children across Nagaland.
- Agricultural Support: The FARM initiative provides subsistence farmers with technical support, climate-resilient practices, and market linkages to enhance productivity and income.
- Disability Inclusion: The CARE Disability Project delivers community-based rehabilitation services, promoting inclusivity for differently abled persons.
- Mental Health: An upcoming adolescent mental health program aims to provide timely, professional care to underserved communities.
Through these efforts, the organization continues to adapt to contemporary needs while sustaining its foundational commitment to equitable and inclusive development