Recognising the urgency and gravity of drug and alcohol abuse in the region, SPARK organised a five-day workshop on ‘Protection from and Prevention of Drugs and Alcohol’ for the communities of Pongkung, Mawlong and Mawlynrei villages as well as the slum around Iewduh.
The programme, which benefited over 500 individuals, was supported by the office of the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills under the Chief Minister’s Youth Development Scheme (CMYDS).
Throughout the workshop, interactions between resource persons and participants brought to light alarming personal accounts, particularly from parents of drug users, exposing the pain, helplessness and ongoing challenges posed by drug abuse and illegal drug trade in these communities.
Participants raised a collective outcry, urging stronger actions from law enforcement and other concerned authorities to combat the issue.
Many victims expressed a renewed desire to seek help and requested access to rehabilitation services.
While the workshop was a step forward in addressing the problem, it also underscored the reality faced by families affected by drug abuse – many of whom have suffered in silence due to lack of attention to the issue, resulting in the loss of innocent lives.
