Participants of the walkathon organized on August 24.
Walkathon organized to campaign for a drug-free future
DIMAPUR, AUGUST 25 (MExN): As part of AIDA-Child Friendly Dimapur Campaign 2024 activities, a walkathon was organized on August 24 at Chümoukedima on the theme, “Break Free: Choose Health, Not Harm.”
The objective of the campaign was to bring together different child rights clubs, youth and civil society organizations in the city on a common platform and create awareness on substance abuse through the campaign activities.
The walkathon began from Chümoukedima Gate 2 till CT Square, Chümoukedima. Altogether, 315 children, youth and adults from different government departments, civil society organizations, institutions and localities from Dimapur and Chümoukedima participated in the walkathon.
Kevethito Rose, EAC, Chümoukedima, while addressing the gathering as the special guest emphasized the vulnerability of Nagaland, situated between Manipur and Assam, and highlighted that the ongoing improvements in road and communication infrastructure may intensify the future challenges of the drug menace. Reflecting on his observations, he noted that the state is currently facing the second phase of this social evil.
In the first phase, during the 1970s and 1980s, drug abuse primarily involved pharmaceutical drugs. However, post 2000, the problem has escalated with the introduction of hard drugs like heroin and "Shaun flower etc. He expressed concern that many children, at an impressionable and vulnerable age, are at significant risk.
While highlighting this, Rose stressed on the importance of a united effort by government agencies such as the district administration, police department, education department, medical department, alongside organizations like AIDA-Child Friendly Dimapur, Child Helpline, and Churches, to protect our children.
He clarified that while we fight against drugs, it’s crucial to understand that we are not fighting the addict or the abuser; rather, we are combating substance abuse. He likened this struggle to how we fight cancer and not with the patient through surgeries and treatments. Rose urged everyone to recognize that those struggling with addiction need our love, care, and support.
The EAC, meanwhile, reaffirmed the commitment of the district administration, Chümoukedima, to fight against this social evil. He appealed everyone to recommit to serve the vulnerable, reaching out to those most in need, and choosing life over harm.
Vitono Gugu Haralu, Jt. Secy, Naga Mothers Association, AIDA-Child Friendly Dimapur, Civil Society Forum member shared a solidarity message during the event. In her address, she highlighted on the experience that she has working with the children as a member of Naga Mothers Association and encouraged everyone to involve children in negotiation and dialogue.
Haralu also drew practical comparisons, illustrating how each of us may be addicted to cell phones and other forms of addiction, thereby relating to the social issue (substance abuse) at hand. She emphasized the need for all stakeholders to step up and collaborate to ensure that the children and youth experience a sense of safety and security, underscoring that it is our collective responsibility.
She also viewed that the walkathon is not just a campaign activity but a crucial effort to raise awareness about the current situation and the need to respond proactively. She urged everyone to recognize and understand the crisis at hand and to take appropriate actions in response.
The program featured several significant moments, beginning with an invocation by Pouhourai Gangmei, Pastor, Rongmei Baptist Church, Chümoukedima. The benediction was later delivered by Nekenchiba Ngaren, Associate Pastor Youth of Sangtamtilla Ao Baptist Arogo.
Earlier in the program, Mulai, Child Rights Club member, Govt. Middle School, Midland, recited a poem on substance abuse. Champa E. Konyak and Jessenlo Apon, Cambridge School, Lingrijan, presented a special number. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Garrol Lotha, Project Coordinator for Child Friendly Dimapur (CFD).
