Nasha Mukt campaign capacity building workshop for Sahayogi Mitras

PAKYONG,  (IPR): The two-day capacity-building workshop for Sahayogi Mitra, organised by the Social Welfare department, Government of Sikkim, under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Nasha Mukt Sikkim campaign, concluded on Tuesday at Tribal Research Centre, Assam Lingzey.

The Sahayogi Mitra Programme is one of four core pillars of the broader Sahayogi Programme, spearheaded by the Social Welfare department under the Nasha Mukt Campaign, which operates within the framework of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

With a participation of sixty nodal teachers from each district, the initiative targets substance use within educational institutions, primarily focusing on prevention and awareness. Through sensitisation workshops, peer-support networks, and focused outreach activities, the Sahayogi Mitra Programme empowers students to make informed decisions, fostering a proactive, drug-free culture on campuses across the nation.

On the inaugural day, secretary, Social Welfare department, Sarika Pradhan, highlighted the aims and objectives of the Sahayogi Mitra campaign and emphasised that the initiative seeks to prevent early exposure to tobacco, alcohol, and illegal substances among school children and adolescents.

Citing research, she stated that experimentation with substances often begins with legally available drugs such as tobacco, which are considered "gateway drugs" and are a frequent starting point for further drug use. She then stressed that over 50 per cent of substance use cases begin before the age of 20, underlining the importance of early intervention in schools.

Stating that the role of teachers is critical, she stressed equipping teachers with the right knowledge and tools to identify early signs of substance misuse, provide brief counselling, and refer students to appropriate community-based treatment services.

She further underlined the importance of handling adolescent cases with sensitivity, as teenagers are particularly conscious of self-esteem and identity, further suggesting that maintaining confidentiality and providing non-judgemental support is essential when dealing with such issues.

Following the second day of the workshop, HOD Psychiatry department at STNM Hospital, Netra Thapa, stressed the growing concern of drug abuse in the State. He emphasised that prevention is better than cure and encouraged the teachers to actively monitor student activities and consider conducting surprise checks to promote a safe environment.

Additionally, he highlighted the availability of psychologists in every district, who can be reached out to for support during crises to foster a healthier and more supportive community for our young generation.

In her concluding address, additional secretary Social Welfare department, Bandana Chettri apprised the importance of teachers engaging with the knowledge gained during the two-day session to create a safe environment for the children at the school.

She informed on the four key components of the Sahayogi programme, which are Sahayogi Mitra, Sahayogi Karmachari, Sahayogi Sarathi, and Sahayogi Aama, each designed to educate and involve participants in tackling the ongoing challenges of substance abuse. In addition, she underscored the necessity of maintaining confidentiality and approaching these matters with compassion throughout the process.

Furthermore, she encouraged participants to share the knowledge gained to better assist students facing challenges related to substance abuse and advised using a multifaceted approach to effectively tackle such issues.

During the programme, the dangers of alcohol and tobacco harm, student concerns, and educating participants on recognising signs of intoxication and withdrawal in students were facilitated by Santoshi Sharma.

An informative session on the impact of cannabis and opioids on students, highlighting key signs and symptoms, counselling strategies, and monitoring students’ mental well-being, was facilitated by Ranju Chettri.

Additionally, basic counselling skills were imparted by Pinki Bhutia, providing valuable insights and practical strategies to effectively support students in times of actual circumstances.

In addition, the workshop also included sessions delivered by resource persons additional director, Samagra Siksha, Asha Khatri; psychiatrist specialist, Dr Sheetal Chettri and senior consultant, CAM Dr Satish Rasailyon various topics, including the Navchetna module and its convergence with wellness ambassadors and pahari clubs; mindfulness and yoga-based interventions; stress management techniques; the science of addiction and brain development in adolescents; trends and patterns of substance use in Sikkim; differentiating between drugs and medicines; socioeconomic harms of drug and alcohol abuse; myths and stigma surrounding addiction; new treatment options available in the state for alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other drugs.

The day also included an experience-sharing and discussion session, followed by a certificate distribution ceremony for all participants. Furthermore, a scenario-based activity on various topics was also conducted to equip the teachers to address real-life situations effectively.

The two-day workshop had the presence of special secretary, Social Welfare department, Satyen Pradhan and Suman Gurung; additional director, Social Welfare department, Mahesh Sharma; deputy director, Social Welfare department, Ram Kumar Tamang; under secretary, Social Welfare department, Namgyal Lepcha, along with officials from the Social Welfare department and teachers from various schools.