At Rengma Baptist Church Kohima on May 31.
Kohima, June 1 (MExN): The Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) observed the World No Tobacco Day under the theme, “Unmasking the appeal – Countering nicotine and tobacco addiction” on May 31.
With the vision to reach to the maximum populace, the KDLSA under the banner “Choose life and health,” conducted extended outreach program with children of seven institutions comprising of Sunday Catechism Class, Sunday Schools and Bright Children Home. The institutions included; Christ The King Church, Kohima Village (Sunday Catechism Class), Children Ministry’s at Chakhesang Baptist Church, Kitsubozou, Sumi Aphuyemi Baptist Church, Sunday School, Children’s Ministry of Peniel Christian Revival Church, Kohima, Children’s Ministry Union Christian Revival Church, New Market, Rengma Baptist Church, Sunday School, Kohima and Bright Morning Star Children’s Home, Kohima.
Through this outreach programme, the KDLSA team, comprising 10 Panel Lawyers and three Para Legal Volunteers reached out to 702 children.
At Christ The King Church, panel lawyer Kekhriengunuo Catherine, highlighted on the restriction of tobacco advertisement, ban on sale of tobacco products to minor children and prohibition of setting up of any tobacco shops within 100 yards of educational institutions. The participants had taken a pledge to adopt a disciplined and tobacco free life. 79 Catechism students and 6 Catechism teachers attended the program.
At Chakhesang Baptist Church, Kusalu Lohe, Panel Lawyer spoke on the harmful effects of Tobacco consumption and its usage. She highlighted on the emerging trends of tobacco and nicotine products which are designed to attract today’s young generation and also the factors which is contributing to the cause of tobacco use among the youths. 236 children along with a panel lawyer and Children Ministry staffs attended the program.
At Sumi Aphuyemi Baptist Church, Shiyeli, Para Legal Volunteer talked on Legal Aid and Legal Services. Berta Tep, Panel Lawyer, illuminated on the punishments for the offenders. She encouraged the attendees to engage in productive activities, enhancing their skills in right path and to stay afar from harmful substances. About 103 participants comprising of children, Sunday School staffs and Panel lawyers attended the program.
At Peniel Christian Revival Church, Nagali Shohe, Panel Lawyer and Marylena Nsu, Para Legal Volunteer were the resource persons. Shohe emphasised on the health risk and other consequential after effects caused by Tobacco addiction, and also the various diseases linked due to use of Tobacco products. 84 children along with Sunday School superintendent, teachers attended the program.
At Union Christian Revival Church, panel lawyers Viliezonuo Rhetso and Wonchano Humtsoe emphasized upon the need to protect children and young generation from falling into the trap of tobacco addiction. The programme also featured awareness message through poster campaign by Wonchano. 107 participants comprising of children, Sunday School teachers and staffs attended the programme.
At Rengma Baptist Church, Sunjib Rana, Retainer Lawyer, Haiyale Kath, Panel Lawyer and Helokali Aye, Para Legal Volunteer, highlighted on Smoking in Public Places Rules, 2008, the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 and Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. Altogether, 65 children along with others Sunday school staff attended the program.
At Bright Morning Star Children’s Home, panel lawyer Asenla Walling spoke on the topic “Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA).” She focused on educating the children on the harmful effects of tobacco use and encouraging them to lead a healthy and tobacco-free lifestyle. She also elucidated on how tobacco consumption and addiction harm on health, affect communities and impact the economy. She encouraged the children to choose a healthy habit, stand firm against peer pressure and become a role model for a tobacco-free world. About 22 children and the Home’s staff attended the programme.
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