To address growing concerns about substance and alcohol use and abuse, the Chithuen Phendhey Association is organising an inter-school debate and public speaking competition as part of its Youth Leadership Programme. The competition began on Tuesday, with eight schools from the capital participating in the two events.
The participating schools include Dechencholing Higher Secondary School, Yangchenphu Higher Secondary School, Motithang Higher Secondary School, Rinchen Higher Secondary School, Babesa Higher Secondary School, Pelkhil School, Druk School, and the Bhutan Football Federation Academy.
According to the National Health Survey 2023, nearly 35 per cent of the country’s population are current drinkers. Additionally, over 25 per cent of those in the 15 to 24 age group consume alcohol.
The Chithuen Phendhey Association said that the programme aims to enhance leadership and communication skills among young people while raising awareness about substance and alcohol use and abuse.
Ugyen Kelzang, programme coordinator of Chithuen Phendhey Association said “it is crucial for everyone to take responsibility. If we fail to support those struggling with substance abuse by neglecting them, it will be harder for them to overcome their substance use. In general, to discourage youths from using substances, we have kept our themes related to awareness on substance and alcohol use and abuse.”
On the opening day, Rinchen Higher Secondary School and the Bhutan Football Federation Academy debated the responsibility of monitoring alcohol and substance use among children.
Participants said that programmes like this can help them advocate against substance and alcohol use and abuse.
Kinley Tenzin, a participant from the Bhutan Football Federation Academy said “yhrough programmes like these, Bhutanese youths can gain an understanding of the long-term harm that substance abuse can cause to themselves, their communities, and their country.”
Ugyen Dem, a participant from Rinchen Higher Secondary School said “this kind of programme indirectly or directly helps in advocating for all the students other than the participants.”
The winner will receive the Rising Leaders Award and a cash prize of 50,000 ngultrum, while the runner-up will be awarded Nu 20,000.
The finals are scheduled for the 17th of September.
Pema Tshomo & Tenzin Loday Gyeltshen
Edited by Sherub Dorji
