Today, our Rotary Club collaborated with the Jaffna Osmania College Interact Club to deliver a drug awareness program at Jaffna Osmania College. With growing concerns about the impact of drug use on youth, this initiative aimed to educate students on the dangers of drugs, equip them with preventive strategies, and promote a healthy, substance-free lifestyle. The program was tailored to engage students actively, empowering them to make informed decisions and fostering a supportive environment within the school.

Objective and Focus Areas

The primary objectives of this project were:

Increase Awareness: Educate students on the risks associated with drug use, including physical, mental, and social consequences.
Build Resilience: Provide students with tools and strategies to resist peer pressure and cope with challenges in healthy ways.
Encourage Support-Seeking: Promote a culture where students feel comfortable seeking support from teachers, parents, and peers when faced with drug-related issues.
Foster Peer Leadership: Engage Interact Club members as peer leaders to reinforce positive choices and help spread awareness within the student body.
Planning and Execution

In collaboration with Jaffna Osmania College and the Interact Club, our team developed a comprehensive plan to make the program engaging and effective. Together, we structured sessions that would address students’ immediate concerns while equipping them with knowledge and resources. Key planning steps included selecting guest speakers, preparing educational materials, and designing interactive sessions that encouraged student participation.

Program Highlights

Guest Speaker Session: The event began with a presentation by a guest speaker experienced in adolescent psychology and drug prevention. Through real-life examples and a down-to-earth approach, the speaker connected with the students, discussing the realities of drug addiction and how it can impact one’s health, relationships, and future.

Interactive Workshops: Following the presentation, students participated in workshops led by Interact Club members and teachers. The workshops focused on identifying and resisting peer pressure, managing stress in positive ways, and understanding the long-term consequences of drug use. Activities were designed to make the students think critically about the choices they face and how they can make informed, positive decisions.

Peer Discussions and Support: To make the event relatable, the Interact Club facilitated small group discussions. These sessions created a safe, judgment-free space for students to ask questions, share concerns, and offer each other support. Peer-led discussions helped students realize they are not alone and reinforced the importance of looking out for one another.

Resource Booths: At the end of the program, resource booths were set up to provide students with take-home materials, including pamphlets with tips on avoiding drugs, contact information for local support services, and links to online resources for mental health and addiction support.

Impact and Benefits

The drug awareness program provided lasting benefits for the students of Jaffna Osmania College by increasing their knowledge, enhancing their self-confidence, and empowering them to make safe, healthy choices. The interactive and peer-led format helped break down barriers and normalize open discussions around drug use, making it easier for students to seek help if needed.

This initiative also strengthened the role of the Interact Club members as peer leaders, instilling a sense of responsibility and community involvement. By promoting awareness among students, the project positively impacts not only the school environment but also the broader community as students share their knowledge and promote healthy lifestyles.