A meeting on de-addiction counselling training programme aimed at deploying trained counsellors across schools in the State was held under the Drug Reduction Elimination and Action Mission (DREAM) at Sanker yesterday.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders and experts in the field of de-addiction and mental health, including representatives from Manbha Foundation, Kripa Foundation ODIC, Meghalaya Users Forum, the Social Welfare Officer (Anti-Drugs), and the Founder and Director of Sanker -, alongside experienced clinical psychologists and professionals.
The session provides a platform for in-depth discussions on how to maximise the effectiveness of the training programme. Deliberations centred on equipping trainees with the tools and understanding required to address substance use issues among schoolchildren.
The experts emphasised the importance of early intervention and the critical role that trained school-based counsellors can play in promoting mental well-being and identifying early signs of substance abuse.
Speaking on the occasion, the attendees expressed optimism that the initiative will empower schools to better support students and families, enhancing their ability to prevent and address drug-related issues at the grassroots level.
The collective goal is to ensure that after completing the training, the deployed counsellors will not only provide guidance and support but also help create a culture of awareness and resilience among students.
DREAM Mission Director, Francis Kharshiing said the initiative must be viewed as part of a comprehensive and long-term strategy in the fight against drug abuse. By building a pool of trained and committed counsellors, the programme lays the groundwork for sustained community-level engagement, timely intervention, and robust rehabilitation support, he added.
He emphasised that early awareness and prompt action can significantly influence attitudes, help identify early warning signs and provide necessary support to at-risk students before the situation escalates. If nurtured and expanded with the right backing, the initiative has the potential to serve as a replicable model for future skill-based capacity building and rehabilitation efforts throughout the state, Kharshiing said.
