The DREAM II Kollam Inauguration and Stakeholders Meeting was successfully conducted on 1 September at the DREAM II Kollam Project Office, Don Bosco College, Kottiyam.
The programme brought together representatives from various government departments and partner organisations, including the Assistant Excise Commissioner, Child Welfare Committee (CWC) members, Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) members, District Child Protection Officer (DCPO), District Social Justice Officer, DREAM State Team, Former Vimukthi Coordinator, QSSS, PSSS internship representatives from Don Bosco College, Sulthan Bathery, Block Panchayat Vice President, Panchayat representatives, and KAVAL Project coordinators and case workers. The programme also witnessed the active participation of Ms. Greeshma, DREAM State Coordinator; Fr. Joe Fernandez, Campus Minister; Ms. Sali, NSS Programme Officer, Don Bosco College, Kottiyam; and the NSS and SWADES volunteers of Don Bosco College.
The programme commenced with a prayer led by the NSS volunteers, followed by the Government Stakeholders Meeting, which focused on understanding the current drug-related scenario in Kollam district and identifying opportunities for collaboration among the participating departments and organisations. The discussions highlighted the importance of coordinated interventions, effective referral mechanisms, mentoring, counselling and continued inter-departmental collaboration.
Following the stakeholders’ meeting, the inauguration programme commenced with a theme dance on drug prevention presented by the students of Don Bosco College, Kottiyam, conveying the message of creating a safe and drug-free environment for children and young people.
The formal inauguration was conducted by Sri. Adv. Vishnu Mohan, MLA, and the DREAM II Kollam logo was unveiled by Smt. Rekha Laurian, Sub Judge, DLSA. The programme was presided over by Dr. Fr. Francis Karakkat, Director, Don Bosco College, Kottiyam. The welcome address was delivered by Sinta Sabu, District Coordinator, DREAM II Kollam, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Eby Mathew, District Counsellor. Fr. P. D. Thomas, DREAM State Director, along with representatives from CWC, Social Justice Department, JJB and Mukhathala Block Panchayat, felicitated the programme.
As a gesture of appreciation for their valuable presence, support and commitment towards the DREAM II initiative, tokens of love were presented to the participating government stakeholders.
The programme resulted in new opportunities for collaboration among various government departments and partner organisations, marking an important step towards strengthening a coordinated and sustainable district-level approach to substance-use prevention and the well-being of children and young people in Kollam district.
