Manipur: Over 500 children attend Vacation Bible School in Imphal

More than 500 children participated in a three-day Vacation Bible School (VBS) organised by MBC Centre Church in Imphal under the theme “Apple of God’s Eye”, with a focus on self-worth, moral values and spiritual development.

The programme, which concluded on Sunday, brought together children from various schools in and around Imphal. Activities focused on promoting unity, forgiveness, cooperation and peaceful coexistence.

Vanda Jajo, a Sunday school staff member at MBC Centre Church, said the programme is organised annually during the Durga Puja holidays to encourage children to use their vacation to learn biblical teachings and moral values.

“More than 500 students registered for VBS 2026,” she said, adding that participants ranged from nursery pupils to students of Class 10 and above.

The children were divided into beginner, primary, junior, intermediate and senior groups according to their age and learning levels.

The programme began on October 19 but was temporarily suspended due to a two-day total shutdown. It resumed on October 24, with the closing ceremony held on October 25.

Explaining the theme, Jajo said it was based on Psalm 17:8 of the Bible, which refers to being kept as the apple of God’s eye. She said the central message was to help children understand their worth, build self-confidence and overcome feelings of inferiority.

“We want to send a message to children and parents that not only children, but all of us, are very special in the eyes of God. We are precious,” she said.

Jajo urged parents to remind children of their value and guide them towards good deeds and a God-fearing life.

The organisers said the programme also aimed to foster unity, forgiveness and mutual understanding among children from different backgrounds.

The annual initiative seeks to make school holidays meaningful by combining religious education with lessons in character development and peaceful coexistence.