Dimapur, December 20 (MExN): The 4th Foundation Day of the CAD Foundation was celebrated at Imliyanger Memorial Centre (IMC), Dimapur on December 20. Giving an account of the commencement of the foundation, Teiso Solo, general secretary of CADF said, “With limited knowledge and capacities we started our mission. We didn’t know what by-law was or how a proposal looked like, and we didn’t know even the basic requirement. Many a times, we went through difficulties and frustrations but one thing that helped us go ahead was the hope that ‘we, one day, are going to make it’.”
Teiso Solo, also describing the misery of the addicts, said that before CAD Foundation came into existence many of their friends had tried to “raise voice as an individual or sometimes collectively,” but it was not loud enough. Also, due to the limited capacities and knowledge, they could not sustain their endeavours. He further recounted, “We have seen our friends being shot dead, put in cages and jails, dying of overdose and AIDS. Sometimes the treatment meted out to us is harsh and cruel, which makes us think if we really deserve the kind of treatment.” Teiso Solo also thanked all well-wishers in Imphal, Kohima, sponsors, SASO and friends for their moral and financial support.
The CAD Foundation, which started with 20 members on 20 December 2004, today has 28 working staff and volunteers, and provides easy accessibility towards the drug users and has the ability to build up confidence of the general community towards the group. Terming the day as a special day, Teiso also expressed his hope that the foundation would continue to meet to the needs of the addicts.
Basing his speech on stewardship, commitment and unity, Meren, Internal Advisor at CAD Foundation, urged upon the members to work harder for the betterment of the society. Ten persons were also selected by the Foundation to receive financial support for their nutritional needs. The money was donated by Jennifer Overton from USA.
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