Shillong: The Meghalaya government is trading anti-drug slogans for job training. Its new initiative, DREAM YOUNG, targets vulnerable youth and dropouts to prevent substance abuse through economic opportunity. Mission Director Francis Kharshiing announced the shift on Monday. The state wants practical results. "Prevention cannot only be about telling our young people to say no to drugs. We have to give them a reason to say yes to life—yes to skills, yes to employment and yes to a better future," he said.
The first phase kicked off through a partnership with Seng Kynthei Katholic, Zone 2. The group identified 69 candidates back in April, shuttling them to a skill centre for vocational exposure. Dedicated counselling helped 22 of those individuals land spots at ITI Shillong, Don Bosco Technical School, and Don Bosco Youth Centre. These 22 students are now learning trades to build a path toward independence.
The DREAM Mission is now pressuring local officials. It wrote to Deputy Commissioners across all districts, ordering a review of ITI facilities to ensure they can handle a surge in students. Officials argue that vocational skills often beat college degrees in the current job market. The mission works alongside the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society to bridge the gap.
More work starts Tuesday. The team heads to ITI Shillong to push for additional enrolments. They intend to keep these youths off the streets and in the workforce long-term.
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