Parents told to provide emotional support to children

KOHIMA — While viewing that education system in the state does not transmit core values such as hard work, sincerity and honesty, the commissioner and secretary of Health and Family Welfare department and chairman of Nagaland State Aids Control Society (NSACS), V Kezo, on Wednesday stressed on the need to provide emotional support and encouragement to the children.

He stated this during the launch event of CITY Barn, the health centre, an innovation project of NSACS located at Tinpatti along High School Road in Kohima. While expressing concern that much of risky behaviors were bred at home, he underscored the need for parents to provide emotional support and encouragement to children.

He emphasised that the new facility should not only not extend help but the people involved in should also start documenting their knowledge gained from interaction with the community so that it could be passed on to build knowledge-based protocols and systems.

Highlighting that many youngsters engaged in social media are spilling frustrations, the official exuded hope that the facility would be a platform for social interaction and be a shining example of community intervention to preserve and protect the mental, physical and moral well being of the young generation.

Kezo further called for a society that is caring, gentle and kind and expressed confidence that CITY Barn would encompass all such virtues to enable all those at the centre feel at home and get a sense of peace to face life with confidence.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ahu Sekhose, NSACS project director, has credited the concept of CITY Barn to Dr. Bernice D Thapru, joint director (prevention), which would provide a platform to young people in the age group of 15-24 years, who constituted high risk groups (HRG). He expressed optimism that the place would become a happening place.

Presenting a brief report on the project, Dr. Bernice D Thapru, stated that the idea was to make HIV/AIDS less stigmatising and also make the place an enabling environment for everyone.

She mentioned that CITY Barn means ‘Catch Them Young and Being Aware’ that would sensitise on unsafe behaviors, HIV, addiction among others.

Dr. Thapru added that the sole purpose of the CITY Barn was to cater to all young people who feel that they are worried and concerned about their health. In this regard, she called for active participation of schools and colleges in the vicinity to avail the facility, which would cater services not only confine to HIV but also on mental health, drug addiction and sexual health.

She informed that the centre would be manned by a team of professionals including psychologists and counselors specialised in family and child counseling.

She stated that the intention of establishing the centre was to make it accessible and make it a centre of importance for all young people with a safe space.

The official also informed that such centres were simultaneously launched at Super Market near ANTA office in Dimapur; Tsumang Colony in Wokha town; High School ‘A’ Ward below Akum Imlong School in Tuensang town. All the centres will have similar facilities manned by professionals.

A speech on behalf of the Red Warriors was delivered by former Miss Nagaland and ambassador of anti-drug campaign, Zunheboto, Hikali Achumi, wherein she emphasised on the importance of prioritising mental health and well being. She urged the youth to embrace CITY Barn as a beacon of hope and stepping stone towards healthier and happier Nagaland.

The programme was led by Thejangunuo Theunuo, deputy director (IEC), while the vote of thanks was delivered by Khekato Chophy, project director of Guardian Angel, and a prayer was said by Lujeka Assumi, associate pastor of SBCK.