The problem of substance abuse is not only in places like Thimphu and Phuentshogling. Gelegphu has seen a total of 221 male and 21 female substance abuse cases, just this year. Only 15 male and five females are undergoing rehabilitation.
To fight substance abuse, a meeting with stakeholders was organised by the Gelegphu Youth Centre, recently. The programme was directed at parents, stakeholders, and the business community for the prevention of substance abuse among youth. Unfortunately, the turnout of parents at the programme was dismal.
“It is very difficult to get people to participate, especially; parents as they are either busy or have personal commitments. We just cannot get them to attend such programmes,” said the Assistant Manager of Gelegphu Youth Centre, Durga Singh Mohara.
But, Durga shares that the establishment of the youth centre in Gelegphu has helped in the fight against drugs. The centre organises several activities that keep youth engaged productively during vacations and after school hours.
The parents who did participate in the Community Youth Partnership Programme were familiarised with Drop-in centers and their functions, as well as YVIA and Youth centre facilities.
