SHILLONG, MAY 22: Moving away from one-way lectures, the Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) is banking on youth power to fight drug abuse, with 33 student interns from William Carey University leading awareness drives through skits, songs, and dance.
The peer-led campaign, run in collaboration with Bosco Integrated Development Society (BIDS), was held across Police Bazar and Iew Mawlong before concluding at Nongmensong on Friday.
DREAM said the student internship model is being “scaled up at full pace” and positioned as a “cornerstone effort to mobilise youth as peer-led champions in the fight against drug abuse.”
At the Nongmensong event, interns performed a thematic skit anchored on the DREAM Calendar. The calendar includes a QR code that gives users direct access to a list of rehabilitation centres and helpline numbers.
“By integrating this into the performance, the interns were able to not only raise awareness but also equip the audience with practical tools to seek help when needed,” DREAM director Francis Kharshiing said.
He said the mission noted the method helps in “empowering individuals and families to access support services, reducing stigma associated with addiction and rehabilitation, and promoting a message that help is available and recovery is possible.” Through the internship, students are trained to run campaigns in schools and colleges, act as peer counsellors, and encourage early intervention. The programme also builds “self-confidence, leadership qualities, communication skills, and a stronger sense of purpose” among participants.
“DREAM believes that peer influence plays a crucial role in shaping behaviour, especially among young people,” Kharshiing stated.
“Messages are shared in a language and format that resonates deeply with the youth,” making prevention more impactful and sustainable.
The Mission director also announced that plans are underway to onboard more interns in the coming months to build “an army of anti-drug Ambassadors” who will serve as a positive force in their communities.
“The success of today’s programme highlights the effectiveness of this participatory and community-driven approach, marking a shift from traditional awareness methods to a more interactive, youth-led movement against drug abuse,” he said.
He added, the mission reiterated its commitment to expanding such initiatives statewide to create “a strong network of young leaders dedicated to the vision of a drug-free society.”
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