Shillong July 14: As part of International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, the office of the District Social Welfare Officer, East Khasi Hills in collaboration with the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society (MACS) on Friday organized an awareness programme at Madanrting, here.
The day was observed on the theme “Listen First- Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe.”
State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) chairperson, M. Kharkongor graced the occasion as chief guest in the presence of Special SP CID, C. Lyngwa, District Social Welfare Officer, East Khasi Hills, Z.J.Lyngdoh, Assistant Director, MACS, Shri W. A. Kharkongor, Rangbah Shnong Madanrting, B. Kharkongor, executive members Dorbar Shnong Madanrting, members of VHAM, VDP, NGOs, Church organisation, teachers and students of Madanrting areas.
Speaking on the occasion, Kharkongor stressed on the importance of such programme to reach out to the youth to educate them about the menace of alcohol, drugs and substance abuse.
She also said that drug abuse has become a major social concern, and students become very vulnerable to fall into the trap.
The SCPCR chief also urged upon school management and teachers to pay more attention to children and take proactive steps to prevent students from becoming victims to such grave disaster of drug addiction.
She also appealed to the civil society to come forward and help to eradicate this social menace.”Let us re-dedicate and commit ourselves to help the alcoholic and the substance users to bring back to the main stream by accepting and extending our love, care and support,” she added.
Other highlights of the day include an awareness rally, prize distribution to winners of slogan competition, technical session on HIV & Drug, Role of the Community in combating drug abuse, Role of the Police in combating Drugs Trafficking followed by an interactive session. The Resource Persons includes Shri K. Kharbangar, Programme Manager, VHAM, Shri R.Rajee, President, VDP, Madanrting, Shri O. Syiemlieh, OC, Madanrting Police Station.
