Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 21: St Aloysius BEd College, a leading institute of teacher education of the city observed ‘A day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking’ here in order to develop awareness in the would-be teachers about the consumption of drugs by children and youth and their consequences on their health and future. The day was observed on the theme ‘Health for Justice, Justice for Health’ as emphasized by the UNO.
Sandra Sunitha Lobo (Associate Professor and Head, Department of Psychology, Roshni Nilaya, School of Social Works, Mangaluru) was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, she said, “Drugs are an illegal matter which some people drink, smoke, inject or eat for the mental and physical effects. There are students who consume drugs either unknowingly or out of fun. People who sell drugs create a network and mainly target students in order to make them addicted to drugs. Initially, the drugs are sold to the students for free and gradually for money when they got addicted to it and eventually they become a part of their network and start dealing with it. Therefore, it is very important to sensitize the students and the youth on how the consumption of drugs destroys their lives and puts their future in a great darkness”. Adding further to the speech, the chief guest said, “It is observed that the students and the youth start consuming drugs out of stress and excessive expectations of their teachers and parents. Lack of moral and emotional support in their families make them vulnerable and increase their dependency on drugs.”
Fr Dr Praveen Martis SJ (Director of the College), in his speech said, “Young people spend more time in the school environment and around teachers rather than at home with their parents. This is one of the key aspects which influences the harmonious development of young people. It would be challenging for the teachers to figure out those students who are dabbling in drugs, but they need to be able to recognise physical, psychological and behavioural signs of their students and need to care for them as human beings when they are under the drugs. Regular talks on the risks of using drugs and alcohol would help students to get rid of the habit.”
Principal Dr Farita Viegas addressed the gathering and said that as future teachers, it is very important to keep a watchful eye on students and make sure they do not fall prey to drugs. She also said that children with problems have to be treated with a great deal of compassion. Her advice to the trainee teachers was that confidentiality and trust with the students had to be maintained at all times.
In keeping with the theme of the day, the students had decked the assembly hall with posters and slogans exhorting people to not use drugs. Skit, dances and songs centred on the theme were performed and a quiz on drugs was conducted as well. Delna Lobo (Vice-principal of the College), organized the programme.