Officials along with the participants during the inter-school painting competition on the theme "Awareness on Injecting Drug Abuse" at Cornerstone Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto, on June 18.
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | June 18
Salvatus Christian Society (SCS), a ministry of the Sümi Baptist Church Zunheboto under the Targeted Intervention (TI) and Link Worker Scheme (LWS), organised an inter-school painting competition on the theme "Awareness on Injecting Drug Abuse" at Cornerstone Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto, on June 18.
Altogether 11 schools participated in the competition, which aimed to educate and engage students on the growing concern of substance abuse through artistic expression. The event provided a platform for students to creatively convey messages on prevention, recovery and healthy living.
Speaking as the theme speaker, Project Director of Salvatus Christian Society, Linoto P. Awomi, highlighted the alarming impact of injecting drug abuse on individuals, families and society.
"In our present context, one of the most serious issues affecting individuals, families and the community as a whole is injecting drug abuse," she said.
Awomi said the primary objective of the competition was to encourage students to understand the dangers associated with drug abuse and express their thoughts and ideas through painting. She said the participants' artworks would help promote awareness on prevention, hope, recovery and the importance of making positive life choices.
She further urged everyone to spread awareness about substance abuse among friends, families, students and the wider community, noting that unsafe injecting practices can lead to life-threatening diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, besides contributing to addiction, stigma, discrimination and social isolation.
Calling for greater compassion, Awomi appealed to the community not to stigmatise or discriminate against individuals and families battling substance abuse.
"Rather than judging them, we must continue to show compassion, love and support throughout their journey of recovery," she said.
The programme began with an invocation by Ruth Zhimo, Zonal Supervisor of SCS. The competition was judged by Aloka Sumi, Ghukha K. Achumi and Linoto P. Awomi.
In the competition, Apuvi of Cornerstone Higher Secondary School secured the first position, while Kika of Step by Step School and Yeputoli of Olympic Higher Secondary School bagged the second and third positions, respectively.
