The DST STI Hub successfully conducted workshops on Substance Abuse Awareness at local childcare institutions, impacting the lives of 95 children at Hermon Children’s Home, Special Home, and Abundant Life Home in Aizawl, Mizoram. The workshops equipped young minds with critical life skills, encouraging them to be mindful of the choices they make and empower themselves. The sessions took place on March 6th at Special Home, Juvenile Home; on March 7th at Hermon Children’s Home; and on March 13th at Abundant Life Home.

Presentations by our team covered topics like common substances, their effects, legal consequences, and strategies for resisting peer pressure. Storytelling was used to contextualize the discussed topics and encourage questions, fostering an open, interactive, and safe space for children and youth. A creative poster-making competition followed a presentation on substance abuse. The children were given an opportunity to discuss various aspects of substance abuse.