Khliehriat, Mar 21: In a bid to address substance abuse among adolescents, a series of winter camps were held as part of the ongoing “ia ka Mynried” campaign in East Jaintia Hills district.
Initiated by the district administration and supported by the District Mineral Foundation, the winter camps were held across 11 educational institutions as part of the campaign.
Over 1800 students have taken part in these camps.
Certificates were distributed to 247 students of St Peter Secondary School at Iongkaluh, and 126 students of Sacred Heart Secondary School and 315 students of Byndihati Secondary School at Byndihati recently.
The state government has already launched Drug Reduction Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) to take multi-pronged approach to address the deep-rooted problem.
Speaking at the event at Byndihati, Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla said, “The winter camps have created a lasting impact in the district as students have received training that can transform their lives.”
She expressed the hope of bringing in more schools under “ia ka Mynried” campaign.
Highlighting the objective of the campaign, deputy commissioner Shivansh Awasthi said, “In addition to soft skills training, a key practice of this programme is to encourage talent recognition in an effort to help young people identify personal strengths and build self-worth.”
Admitting drug abuse a major issue in the district, he said, “We must build a benchmark in fighting against menaces that hinder youth aspirations and wellbeing.
He also said the initiative is an extension of chief minister Conrad Sangma’s vision for a drug-free Meghalaya.
A key highlight of the 20-hour training is a Wellbeing Pledge taken by the participants against drugs and substance abuse.
Sharing his experience, Graious Phawa, a class 8 student of St. Peter’s Secondary School said, “This programme has helped me build confidence and understand my emotional and mental health.”
Silwillstar Shylla, class 9 of Byndihati Secondary School, said, “Before this programme, I never thought about how I stand or communicate. Now, I feel more confident in speaking and interacting with others.”
The “ia ka Mynried” programme has so far been implemented across 11 schools in the district, including Khliehriat Higher Secondary School, Rymbai Government Secondary School, and Sacred Heart Upper Primary School.
The District Mineral Foundation plays a key role in supporting mining-affected communities through initiatives like ‘ia ka Mynried’.
The initiative is supported by Avenues, a life coaching and personal excellence training social enterprise.
