ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA) - Child Friendly Dimapur(CFD) in collaboration with Eastern Christian College, Padumpukhuri organized an awareness programme on substance abuse as part of 2023 Campaign on 12th July 2024 at Eastern Christian College auditorium. The programme aimed to sensitize the youth about substance abuse and its negative impacts on health. Almost 200 students and faculties attended the awareness programme.
Mr. T. Meren Jamir, Residential Counselor, Integrated Rehabilitation Centre for Addicts (IRCA), Prodigals’ Home, Dimapur was the resource person of the event. He began the session by engaging the youth thought provoking questions about their interdependence and life objectives, emphasizing the importance of having clear goals to avoid falling into addiction. He has also highlighted good practical examples and real life experiences which indeed helped the youth to ponder into one’s life journey and shared insights on the need to be aware of the ongoing concerns and issues that our society is facing. Stressing on the topic, he stressed on the causes of addiction, such as curiosity, peer pressure, and stress relief.
In his concluding note he has stressed on the effects of addiction and urged the youth to built self esteem, resist peer pressure and firmly say no to substances. He encouraged youth to be more aware of self deeds, break the chain of addiction, be wise in making decisions in life because addiction affects not only the individual but also their families and society at large and lastly encouraged those struggling with addiction not to be in denial but to acknowledge their problem and seek help before its too late.
Later, Ms. Garrol Lotha, Project Coordinator, CFD spoke on the concept of Child Friendly Cities Initiative and the guiding principles implemented by AIDA- CFD in local level. The guiding principles of building a child friendly city mirror the overarching principles of the UN Convention relating to the rights of the children- 1. Non-discrimination, 2. Best interest of the Child, 3. The inherent right of the life, survival and development and 4. Respect for the views of the child. She encouraged the participants to utilize their energy, creativity and passion to combat to promote child rights and join hands towards creating friendly cities by educating oneself and others, raising awareness on the rights of the children through different social media platforms, volunteer in different organizations to gain experiential learning and enhance social participation, collaborate with local authorities to influence decision making and be the voice for the vulnerable. In her concluding note, she encouraged the youth to join hands and hearts towards making our cities and localities child friendly.
While delivering the welcome address, Mrs. Eneingulo-u, Vice Principal, Eastern Christian College appreciated AIDA-Child Friendly Dimapur for their initiative and commitment to educate the youth on the substance abuse and heartily welcomed AIDA-Child friendly Dimapur team, the resource person and all the faculties and students for the awareness program. The programme was chaired by Mrs. Adila Imchen, Nodal Officer, Convenor of Red Ribbon Club, Assistant Professor, Department of Education, ECC, while Ms. Mechietonü Agnes, Civil Society Mobilisation Officer, gave the word of thanks.
