Creating Awareness about Substance Abuse Virtually

In response to the COVID 19 pandemic, schools have transitioned from learning in conventional classrooms to virtual classrooms. Accordingly, Don Bosco Palluruthy under the Drug Education And Mentoring (DREAM) project organised a virtual awareness programme for the students of St. George Public school, Keezhilam, in association with CHILDLINE Kochi and Vimukthi Ernakulam.

Smt. Anitha Emerse, Principal, St. George Public School, Keezhilam welcomed the participants and introduced the agenda of the programme. Thereafter Ms. Sumi K Mathew, Counsellor in DREAM Kochi, introduced the DREAM programme to the participants. Mr. Shibin Shaji Varghese, District Coordinator, DREAM Kochi presented a session on substance abuse and its prevention with a child-friendly approach.

After the presentation, Mr. Vijayan Menon, Asst Excise Inspector, Ernakulam conducted a session on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, conveying the effects of drug abuse among adolescents and youth,  sharing real-life incidences from his experience through the Excise Vimukthi Mission. Ms. Resmy Mampilly, Centre Coordinator, CHILDLINE Kochi educated the children on CHILDLINE’s functions and services for them. A total of 65 participants attended the awareness programme. Ms. Manna Mathew proposed a vote of thanks and the school management appreciated the DREAM initiative to organise the event.