One-day awareness program for 231 youth emphasizes education

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries with Rajanagar Parish in Arunachal Pradesh, India, organized a one-day awareness program for 231 youth with the goal of curbing drug addiction and preventing school dropouts. Sister Jacinta Topno, the resource person who facilitated the program, shared valuable insights on combating these pressing issues.

Sr. Topno emphasized the importance of education and discouraged youth from dropping out of school. Her words resonated with the audience, encouraging youth to persevere in their studies and not leave school prematurely.

“This event was a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against drug addiction and the dropout crisis. It united the youth, religious leaders and government officials in their commitment to safeguarding the younger generation,” explained a Salesian missionary. “As communities come together to address such critical societal issues, the hope is that these efforts will lead to a brighter and more promising future for the youth of Rajanagar Parish and beyond.”

Before this awareness program, Oling Lego, the assistant deputy commissioner of Bordumsa, brought together a diverse panel of experts. Fr. Rajesh Lakra, the parish priest in Rajanagar and Fr. Churuliyil Manoj Abraham, head of the Don Bosco School Galenja, joined two Buddhist monks and government representatives to address the concern of drug addiction among youth.

Known for his proactive stance on community issues, Lego sought advice from the panel, recognizing the multi-faceted approach required to combat drug addiction. During the discussions, he lauded the efforts of the Catholic missionaries for their work in uplifting youth.

Salesian programs in India are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22% of the country lives in poverty. About 31% of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco South Asia

Don Bosco South Asia – Empowering Youth: Rajanagar Parish Hosts School Dropout and Drug Addiction Awareness Programme

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India