Ia Ka Mynried: Empowering students to resist drug abuse for a better tomorrow

Shillong, Dec 18: “I learned how to use the 4 S’s — Stand, See, Smile, and Speak — to communicate more clearly and confidently. It was very interesting to also learn the five elements about ourselves: Hobbies, Talents, Interests, Skills, and Qualities,” says Xevia Samantha Sympli, a class 7 student who has recently completed a week-long winter camp in East Jaintia Hills district.

She was among the 300+ students who attended the first winter camp in the district, called “Ia Ka Mynried”. “Ia Ka Mynried”, which translates from Pnar to “for a better tomorrow”, aims to address the twin challenges of poor communication skills and substance abuse, especially in mining-affected communities.

The camp was sponsored by the District Administration of East Jaintia Hills through the District Mineral Foundation and implemented by Meghalaya-based social enterprise AVENUES, delivered training for students in Classes 7, 8, and 9. The 24-hour curriculum, spread across six days, focused on confidence-building, basic communication skills, and strategies for resisting drug abuse.

The students also took the ‘Wellbeing Pledge’ to avoid drugs and substance abuse, as part of the conclusion of the week-long camp on Tuesday. This pledge symbolizes the program’s emphasis on promoting a healthier lifestyle and fostering resilience among students, especially in mining-affected communities where substance abuse is a growing concern.

“Drugs are really dangerous for our health and the environment or relationships we have with others. The meaning of ‘Ia Ka Mynried’ is ‘for the future,’ and these winter camps will really help us improve our well-being for the future,” Xevia says on substance abuse awareness.

Class 9 student Alrik Shylla spoke candidly about the challenges facing his community. “Many people here, even those of my age, are addicted to drugs. But I am choosing to walk a different path. I am so glad that they have brought the winter camps to us, where we are learning about the dangers of drug abuse and how to avoid them. Our group has come up with a slogan which says, ‘If you can skip it for a day, you can skip it for a lifetime.’ I am very much inspired to help spread awareness against drug abuse,” he shared.

The camp’s culmination was marked by a certification event at Khliehriat Higher Secondary School, attended by Santa Mary Shylla, MLA of Sutnga-Saipung Constituency, and Shivansh Awasthi, Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills District on Tuesday.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Santa Mary Shylla emphasized the dual importance of education and health in the district’s development. “The District Mineral Foundation has always been so supportive and proactive in providing opportunities for our district. This programme brings two of our focus areas together — education and health,” she noted. Shylla commended the students for overcoming stage fright and showcasing their talents. “The awareness that the trainers are bringing in about drug abuse and its harmful impact on health and society is so important. It is even more important for you to take the message back to your homes and communities,” she said, expressing hope that the program would be extended to other schools in the district.

Shivansh Awasthi, Deputy Commissioner of East Jaintia Hills, echoed Shylla’s sentiments, stressing the need for collective action against drug abuse. He said the winter camp is just the beginning, and more such programmes and platforms would be brought to the district for the benefit of the students and youth.

Other notable attendees included Br. Solomon Swer, Principal of Khliehriat Higher Secondary School; Mark Laitflang Stone, Founder-CEO of AVENUES Meghalaya; and several teachers and members of AVENUES. Certificates were awarded to the participants, which included students from neighbouring Dkhiah East Secondary School and Khliehriat Presbyterian Higher Secondary School.

With plans to extend “Ia Ka Mynried” to more schools in the district, the initiative aims to impact over 1,700 students in East Jaintia Hills.

Read: 8 suspected Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen operatives nabbed in Assam

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