Shillong, Apr 16: The Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) conducted an exposure visit for women groups to the Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Don Bosco Youth Centre (DBYC), and Don Bosco Technical School (DBTS).
The visit aimed to orient and familiarise women’s groups such as the Seng Kynthei Katholik, Lympung ki Seng Kynthei, and other groups with the diverse skill development courses and training opportunities offered by these institutions, enabling them to play a more informed and proactive role at the community level.
As part of its prevention strategy, particularly under the “Catch Them Young” initiative, DREAM is set to pilot a community-driven and inclusive programme in collaboration with these women’s groups. The initiative will focus on identifying and mobilising children, especially school dropouts and those who are socially, emotionally, and economically vulnerable to substance abuse.
Identified beneficiaries will be provided with guided exposure led by the women’s groups where they will gain firsthand insight into various vocational trades. This will be followed by enrolment into skill training programmes of their choice, with structured support extending to placement opportunities upon completion. The entire process, from exposure and training to placement, will be fully supported by DREAM.
This initiative seeks to address two critical challenges facing society today: preventing youth from falling into substance abuse and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for vulnerable and out-of-school youth.
