Sri Lanka’s top cement manufacturer, INSEE Cement recently joined hands with National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) and Sri Lanka Police to conduct an effective drug awareness campaign that reached over 1,700 schoolchildren aged 14 to 18 in 23 schools in Aruakkalu, Puttalam and Galle. Officials from the Sri Lanka Police, District Secretariat and the Municipal Councils of the respective areas participated in the one-day program designed to educate and enrich the lives of young people in and around the communities, particularly, in areas where we do business.
A Forum Theatre methodology was used to stimulate high engagement among the audience, using an innovative method of embedding communications through performing arts, in order to bring a refreshing change from the conventional lecturing style, for students.
While making the topic more interesting and meaningful, the program succeeded in educating students on the dangers of drug use, while re-enforcing the perks of not using drugs, alcohol and tobacco, in adopting a healthy lifestyle.
INSEE Cement was motivated to launch the program as part of the Company’s corporate responsibility endeavour and mission to build brighter futures, as it became evident that drug addiction in the country was increasing and it was necessary to educate the vulnerable schoolchildren and alert the general public about the danger.
CEO of INSEE Cement, Nandana Ekanayake said, “As a socially conscious company we strive to contribute to uplifting and enriching our community by educating and motivating the youth in particular, to lead a healthy and meaningful life. This initiative has proven to be successful, adding value to the nation. We will continue to empower the Sri Lankan youth in building their future through such community engagements”.
INSEE Cement, Sustainable Development and Communications Director, Farzana J Khan, said “It is important that we engage with the youth through an interactive medium of communication when addressing social issues. We need to get their attention and interest. The methodology used, known as a forum theatre, helped to engage with large audiences in Galle, Puttalam and Aruakkalu. Our aim is to achieve a stronger behavioural change among the youth - encouraging them to say no to drugs”.
At the drug awareness workshop held in Galle, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Galle District Chandana Alahakoon said, “Don’t be fooled by the world of drugs” and urged students to, “have the strength and determination to say no and develop mental and physical strength to look after them”.
The plot of the play revolved around a talented school prefect “Akila” who was made to do dangerous drugs and cigarettes through the guidance of bad friends. A good friend warned him but his bad friends convinced him otherwise leading to his mother’s and siblings’ unfortunate and untimely death. The lack of guidance on his mother’s part, who thought that irregular alcohol consumption is not a serious issue, revealed how the lack of parental counsel leads to children being led astray.
The program continued with the scenes of the play being replayed and students in the audience being given the opportunity to share their opinions regarding the scenes. A girl scout from a leading Convent in Galle during the drug awareness workshop in the Southern Province, suggested how, in a similar situation as Akila, she would try to stay away from such a group of friends, while heeding advice from other children who have fallen into similar critical situations. A student from Olsen’s School also shared his opinion that he would try to educate Akila on the negative repercussions of using drugs.
Resource persons contributing to the program included, K.D. Indika Nalin Prasad from NDDCB who warned that the ignorance of mothers and the absence of role models for the children is escalating the drug menace. D. Algewatte, OIC of the Women’s and Child Bureau Unit, in Galle which comes under the Sri Lanka Police, exposed the steady progress where, new drugs are being introduced to schoolchildren by local drug sellers.
‘We have even taken Grade 5 students into custody for being in possession of alcohol’ she revealed. Citizens who are aware of activities that endanger children are requested to call 011 8591452 and report these affairs to the authorities.