Gangtok, Dec 17
Day long School Management Committee Workshop for schools of South District was held at Namchi Boys Sr. Sec. School on Monday.
The workshop was orgnised by Sikkim Against Addiction Towards Healthy India (SAATHI), a project initiative under Chief Minister’s Youth Empowerment Mission.
Fifty-Two SMC members from 20 Government Secondary and Senior Secondary schools of South district of Sikkim had attended the workshop. The program was graced by Udai Rai, Chairman of Namchi Municipal Corporation as a Chief Guest.
Depak Rai, Motivator cum General Secretary of VBDAS explained in detail about the role of SMC members at school level. He stressed about the importance of our young generation and how we can support them so that they can be motivated positively. He also mentioned about the recent popularity of local alcohol and asked everyone that, “Are we giving a chance to our children to drink?” then, he requested everyone that local alcohol must not be encouraged during local festivals and marijuana plants also need to be destroyed. After that, Mr. O.D. Lepcha, one of the SMC member spoke regarding guidance and counselling. He said that, proper guidance can lead the children to become a better citizen.
The peer educators of Namchi Boys Sr. Sec. School had presented skit on harmful effect of substance abuse.
Udai Rai, Chief Guest of the program gave short speech on importance of SAATHI program, he mentioned that SAATHI program is known by everyone in a state and SMC members should coordinate with schools and work diligently to eradicate substance abuse from our state. He said that, because of SAATHI, substance abuse cases have declined at school level, but local community members also have to know about the consequences of substance abuse. He also urged everyone to maintain gender equality and support every child to become a healthy and wise citizen.
The program ended with vote of thanks from one of the peer educators and there was a very good response from the SMC members as they’ve mentioned that they will help schools in SAATHI related activities.