Know Our Project

The "Story Telling Bicycle" is a unique and innovative state-level anti-drug campaign known as "Kathaparayum Vandi." It aims to address the growing threat of drugs in schools in Kerala. By promoting prevention and resilience among children and youth, this campaign seeks to make them drug-resistant as they grow up. 

In the picturesque state of Kerala, known for its serene landscapes and cultural richness, a dark cloud is casting its shadow over the lives of its children - the insidious rise of drug abuse. The issue of drug addiction among school children in Kerala is not merely a localized concern; it has evolved into a pressing statewide crisis, demanding immediate attention. As the statistics paint a grim picture, it becomes evident that the need for constructive intervention is paramount. According to a recent Kerala State Narcotics Control Bureau report, the state has witnessed a staggering 300% increase in drug-related crimes among minors in the past five years. This disturbing trend is not only threatening the future of these young souls but also the societal fabric of the state.

The urgency of this endeavour cannot be overstated. The statistics reveal the gravity of the situation, as increasing numbers of young lives ensnared by the clutches of substance abuse. The enticement of substances has infiltrated the corridors of educational institutions, threatening to derail the academic pursuits and future prospects of countless young minds. This issue is not confined to a specific socio-economic stratum or geographical location; it is a pervasive problem that transcends boundaries, affecting individuals and families from all walks of life.

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As a small step in combating the pressing issue of drug abuse among school-going children in Kerala, Snehasena, TIK TIK Life and Loyola Extension Services venture into an innovative state-level anti-drug campaign, "Kathaparayum Vandi," also known as the "Story Telling Bicycle" to bring about change and resilience. This initiative aims to tackle the drug epidemic head-on, led by the dedicated efforts of Fr. Sheise Thomas SJ, Director and Editor of Snehasena, Tik Tik Life magazines, in collaboration with Loyola Extension Services. 

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This unique project recognizes the gravity of the issue and seeks to promote prevention and resilience among children to make them drug-resistant as they grow up. This project recognizes that to combat drug abuse effectively, we must begin with our children. By instilling values, life skills, and a deep understanding of the consequences of drug abuse, we can empower them to make informed choices and resist the allure of narcotics. 

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The "Story Telling Bicycle" will traverse the length and breadth of the state, encouraging tales of courage, resilience, and triumph to the doorstep of schools. Crucially, "Kathaparayum Vandi" is not merely about deterring drug use. It seeks to foster prevention and resilience among children and youth, making them aware of the dangers and capable of withstanding the pressures that often lead to experimentation. This comprehensive approach acknowledges that the battle against drugs is not won through fear but through education, understanding, and empowerment.

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This innovative campaign promises to be a catalyst for change, rekindling the dreams and aspirations of Kerala's children and lighting the path towards a brighter, drug-free future. The "Kathaparayum Vandi" campaign seeks to provide a glimmer of hope amidst this darkness by harnessing the power of storytelling and engaged theatre.

The following sections will highlight the intricate details of this innovative initiative, exploring its core objectives, strategies, and partnerships. Together, we will embark on a journey to confront the drug epidemic in Kerala, protecting the most precious asset of our society – our children.

 

Objectives

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• Create awareness among 50,000 students in 500 schools about the dangers of drug abuse.

• Encourage active participation and engagement of children in the anti-drug campaign.

• Foster resilience among children to resist the lure of drugs.

• Promote the use of storytelling as an effective tool for conveying anti-drug messages.

 

Methodology

The "Story Telling Bicycle" campaign will utilize an "engaged theatre" method, where students actively participate in the awareness program. The project team will cycle to 500 schools across Kerala, conducting awareness sessions using storytelling and interactive theatre to educate and engage students about drug prevention.

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Activities

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• Inauguration of the "Story Telling Bicycle" by Dayabai on October 20, 2023, St. Michael's Girls Higher Secondary School, Kozhikode, Kerala, India

• Conducting awareness sessions in 500 schools, targeting 100 students per school.

• Distributing certificates of Participation to 50,000 students.

• Providing mementoes of Appreciation to 500 schools.

• Producing informative videos on drug prevention.

• Valedictory Function at Thiruvananthapuram with the involvement of the Education and Excise Departments.

About the Campaigners

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• Snehasena, and TIK TIK Life, the dynamic duo founded on the principles of compassion and love, were engaged with the children for decades. They now dedicate themselves to fostering a drug-free future for the children of the state. This campaign aims to empower children with the knowledge, skills, and resilience needed to make informed decisions and withstand the allure of drugs as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. 

• Loyola Extension Services' engagements transcend mere service provision and manifest its heartfelt commitment to building stronger, more connected communities. For decades, it has been dedicated to transforming lives through meaningful engagement with children, empowering families through counselling, recognizing unsung heroes with the Heroes of the Heart Award, fostering social change with the Gandhi Mandela Freire Fellowship, and driving community engagement that leaves a lasting impact.

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Partnership and Collaboration

We invite you to join us in our "Kathaparayum Vandi" project, the "Storytelling Bicycle," combating drug issues in Kerala schools. Let's collaborate to create a safer, drug-free environment for our children. With your support, we can reach our goal of educating 50,000 students and making them resilient against the lure of drugs. Together, we can protect the future of our children and youth. Together, we can make a significant impact on our children's future.

Future Prospects

This innovative anti-drug campaign has the potential for significant future prospects that can contribute to a safer and drug-resistant environment for the youth of Kerala. As we look ahead to its future prospects, it's clear that the project has the potential to grow and make a significant impact on the community. Here are some key strategies and opportunities for the project's future development:

Corporate Partnerships and Scaling Up

One promising avenue for the project's expansion is to collaborate with companies like Ernst & Young (EY) in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Partnering with established organizations can provide the necessary funding and resources to scale up the "Story Telling Bicycle" campaign from a pilot project to a comprehensive statewide program. EY's involvement can bring in expertise in program management, financial support, and access to a broader network of stakeholders.

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Conducting State-Level Training Workshops

Conducting state-level training workshops for school counsellors is crucial to strengthening the project's impact. These workshops can equip counsellors with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively address drug-related issues among students. By investing in the professional development of counsellors, the campaign can ensure that schools have the necessary support structures in place to identify and assist at-risk students. The future prospects for this component include the potential for expansion and continuous training to reach a broader network of counsellors. This would significantly enhance the campaign's reach and impact.

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Collaboration with Government Departments

Collaborating and networking with various government departments, including General Education, District Child Protection Units, and the Excise Department, is a strategic move for the project. This demonstrates a multi-faceted approach to tackling the issue and ensures that the campaign has the necessary resources, support, and regulatory backing. In the future, these partnerships can be strengthened and extended to include more stakeholders, further solidifying the campaign's position in the fight against drug abuse.

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Pan-Kerala Action Research

The campaign's commitment to conducting action research on substance use and its consequences is essential to its future prospects. Such research can provide valuable insights into the changing dynamics of drug abuse among children and youth in Kerala. The findings can inform the development of more targeted prevention strategies and interventions. Additionally, the research can serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals in the state.

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Intervention Support to Affected Schools

Providing intervention support to the 100 most affected schools in Kerala is a proactive step in mitigating the impact of drug abuse. The future prospects here involve continuously monitoring the effectiveness of these interventions, adapting them to evolving challenges, and potentially expanding support to more schools. This initiative can involve the deployment of trained counsellors, workshops for students and parents, and community awareness programs. By concentrating efforts on the most vulnerable schools, the campaign can have a concentrated impact on areas where it is needed the most. Success stories from these schools can also serve as inspiring examples for others, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

In addition to these specific components, the overall future prospects of the "Story Telling Bicycle" project are promising for several reasons:

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Scalability

The campaign can be scaled up to reach a broader audience, including schools in other regions of Kerala and potentially even in other states facing similar challenges. This expansion can be facilitated through increased funding and strategic partnerships.

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Awareness and Outreach

 

As the campaign gains momentum, it has the potential to raise awareness not only among schools but also within communities and families. Encouraging open dialogues about drug abuse and its consequences can help create a more supportive and informed environment.

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Long-Term Impact

 

The project's goal is to make children and youth drug-resistant as they grow up. This long-term impact can significantly reduce the prevalence of drug abuse in the future, leading to healthier and more productive generations.

 

Measurable Outcomes

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By setting clear goals and regularly assessing progress, the project can demonstrate its effectiveness through measurable outcomes. This data can attract continued support from donors, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, the "Story Telling Bicycle” Anti-drug campaign has a promising future with a clear roadmap for growth and impact. By leveraging corporate partnerships, providing training to school counsellors, collaborating with government departments, conducting research, and focusing on high-risk schools, the campaign can work towards its overarching goal of promoting prevention and resilience among children and youth, making them drug resistant as they grow up. Through training, collaboration, research, and targeted interventions, it has the potential to make a substantial and lasting impact on the lives of children and youth in Kerala, ultimately creating a drug-resistant generation that can lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.