Our Histroy
Our Journey
How MANEDA Began
Manipur North Economic Development Association (MANEDA) was founded in 1991,
registered under the Manipur Societies Registration Act 1989, with a mission to advance
the economic development of marginalised and vulnerable tribal groups through a
holistic approach to their socio-economic challenges.
T. Peter Rangnamei, a member of a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) and
the first person from his tribe to graduate from Delhi University in 1992, returned to his
hometown deeply aware of the hardships faced by tribal communities. He initially
joined the All-Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) before taking over
leadership of MANEDA in 1994, dedicating himself to addressing the systemic barriers
keeping tribal people in poverty and exclusion.
Under his leadership, MANEDA expanded its programmes across livelihood, disability, education, health, youth empowerment,gender and peace promotion, and environment
— forming lasting partnerships with government bodies, funding agencies and
foundations, and growing into a trusted platform for tribal welfare and development in
Senapati and Kangpokpi districts.
Milestones
| Year | Milestone | What Happened |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Disability Work Begins | MANEDA's disability work began with support from CARITAS India, New Delhi, under the Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Forum. On 3 December 2003, MANEDA organised the area's first observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD). |
| 2007 | Hope Centre | A rehabilitation centre, “Hope Centre”, was set up at MANEDA, supported by Stichting Liliane Fonds, Netherlands. |
| 2009 | Association Formation | The Senapati District Physically Handicapped Association was formed and renamed the Senapati District Persons with Disabilities Association, Manipur (SDPAM) in 2013. |
| 2013 | Innocent Smile School | Innocent Smile School was established with support from Stichting Innocent Smile School. A Weaving Training Centre, All-Disabled Union Sadar Hills (ADUSH), and Hope Home were also established. |
| 2 & 3 Oct 2013 | State-Level Sports Meet | The first State-Level Disabled Persons Sports Meet was held in Imphal, bringing together 500+ persons with disabilities, 300 school-going children and 100+ parents and caregivers. |
| 2013–2016 | Rights Movement | Disabled People's Rights Movement Project implemented with Light for the World. |
| 2017 | Open Shelter | Open Shelter established on 3 April for girls in distress below 18 years of age. |
| 2018 | Tribal Girls' Hostel | Tribal Girls' Hostel established at Hope Centre, funded by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. |
| Dec 2021 | EYE Launch | Empowering Youth Enterprises (EYE) launched with support from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, London. |
| 2024 | 33 Years of Service | MANEDA marked 33 years of service to the community. |
| 2025 | New Partnership | Azim Premji Foundation began supporting Innocent Smile School. |