AIDA-CFD sensitises youth on substance abuse in Dimapur

DIMAPUR — ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA)-Child Friendly Dimapur (CFD), in collaboration with Eastern Christian College, Padumpukhuri, organised an awareness programme on substance abuse on July 12 as part of the 2023 campaign at the Eastern Christian College auditorium in Dimapur.

The programme aimed to sensitise youth about substance abuse and its negative impacts on health. Nearly 200 students and faculty members attended the awareness programme, according to a press release.

Speaking on the occasion as the resource person, T Meren Jamir, residential counsellor at the Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA), Prodigals’ Home, Dimapur, emphasised the importance of having clear goals to avoid falling into addiction.

He stressed the causes of addiction, such as curiosity, peer pressure, and stress relief, and urged the youth to build self-esteem, resist peer pressure, and firmly say no to substances.

He encouraged the youth to be more aware of their actions, break the chain of addiction, and make wise decisions in life, emphasising that addiction affects not only the individual but also their families and society at large. He also advised those struggling with addiction not to be in denial but to acknowledge their problem and seek help before it’s too late.

Later, Garrol Lotha, project coordinator of CFD, spoke about the Child Friendly Cities Initiative and the guiding principles implemented by AIDA-CFD at the local level.

She highlighted that the guiding principles for building a child-friendly city mirror the overarching principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: non-discrimination, the best interests of the child, the inherent right to life, survival, and development, and respect for the views of the child.

She encouraged participants to use their energy, creativity, and passion to promote child rights and help create child-friendly cities. She urged them to educate themselves and others, raise awareness on social media, volunteer with organisations, enhance social participation, collaborate with local authorities to influence decision-making, and be the voice for the vulnerable.

Earlier, while delivering the welcome address, Eneingulo-u, vice principal of Eastern Christian College, lauded AIDA-CFD for their initiative and commitment to educating youth about substance abuse.