AIDA-Child Friendly Dimapur (CFD)successfully concluded its Campaign 2024 on substance abuse with a closing program and the release of the Child-Led Survey 2023 at the AIDA Training Hall. The event was attended by 127 participants, including children, youth, adults, and duty bearers, reflecting the community's strong support for child rights and protection.
The campaign, themed “Break Free: Choose Health, Not Harm”, was officially launched on May 10, 2024, and aimed to unite Child Rights Clubs, youth, and Civil Society Organizations in raising awareness about substance abuse. The campaign concluded with a series of impactful activities that reached 1,220 individuals across Dimapur and Chumoukedima.
Addressing the gathering as the Special Guest, Shri Dr. Tinojonghsi Chang, NCS, Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, praised AIDA for its outstanding service to society and commended the success of Campaign 2024."Education is the key to nurturing our children," he emphasized, "but we must also develop their social skills through various activities." He underscored the importance of health and education and encouraged initiatives that help children grow into responsible citizens.Dr. Chang also highlighted the importance of child rights, noting, "Despite our differences in religion, culture, and background, we are all the same." He concluded his speech with a motivational illustration from Shiv Khera, emphasizing that "what matters is what's inside, not what's outside."
Following his address, Dr. Chang officially released the Child-Led Survey 2023 and the Success Stories Volume 2, which documents the impact of AIDA's initiatives on children's lives.
In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Dr. Roy George, Executive Director, AIDA, shared insights into the Child-Led Survey 2023 and provided updates on various program activities, including safety and protection measures for children. He also spoke about the mission and history of AIDA-Child Friendly Dimapur and congratulated the team for their effective program implementation and the positive impact created in the targeted areas.
Ms. Garrol Lotha, Project Coordinator, CFD, highlighted the activities carried out during the campaign, which included awareness programs in schools, colleges, and localities, a poetry competition, a futsal tournament, skill training programs, and a walkathon. She noted that these activities had a significant outreach, impacting 1,220 individuals from various walks of life.
The program featured several cultural performances, including a prayer song by Child Rights Club member, Evershine, a special song by Ms. Rukutalu Phesao & friends from the Child Rights Club, Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Singrijan, a poem recitation by Ms. Sapuni from Child Rights Club, GMS Midland, and a dance performance by Ms. Anjali & friends from Cambridge School. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Mechietonu Agnes, Civil Society Mobilization Officer, CFD.
The program was moderated by Master Junal Basumatary, a member of the Child Rights Club at Ram Janaki School.
