5-month drug abuse sensitisation programme yields positive results

SHILLONG, July 25: A social organisation called SPARK, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare, concluded a five-month in-depth sensitisation programme on drug abuse and other societal issues with notable success. The programme, which targeted over 300 participants and involved hundreds of family interventions, took place in Pongkung, Mawlynrei, Mawlong and Umsawli villages, and the Bara Bazaar slum area.
Resource persons for the programme included officials from Meghalaya Legal Aid Services, New Hope Centre, village leaders, and SPARK representatives. The initiative aimed to enlighten the community about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol and provide essential information on treatment and services available. Additionally, the program sought to establish vigilance groups within the community and foster networks with allied systems to address these issues effectively.
The programme achieved significant results, with a noticeable decrease in drug and alcohol abuse cases. Participants were empowered and trained to handle these issues efficiently. Communities benefited from available services, and dedicated groups of children, youth, and women were formed to monitor drug and alcohol abuse.
The initiative included comprehensive follow-up actions over four months, featuring weekly, monthly, bi-annual, and annual meetings. These efforts led to positive changes within the community, building capacities to raise their voices against drug and alcohol abuse.