By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 20: The Drug Reduction Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) has intensified vocational training across rehabilitation centres in Meghalaya to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities and support the social reintegration of recovering addicts.
As part of the initiative, 15 patients from the New Hope De-addiction Centre (Male) at Mawdiangdiang completed a one-month Basic Wood Technician Furniture Course on Wednesday.
DREAM Director Francis Kharshiing said the programme aims to empower individuals with practical skills to rebuild their lives with dignity. He noted that rehabilitation must extend beyond treatment to include economic independence, which significantly reduces the risk of relapse. Kharshiing added that discharged patients who complete the training will be provided with wood technician toolkits, allowing them to start livelihood activities immediately without the need for financial assistance to purchase essential tools.
The training is conducted in collaboration with the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society (MSSDS) under a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year. The course is part of a broader two-year vocational project designed to provide employable skills to those in recovery across the state.
