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.
Updated at 1st September 2026 at 6:00pm
Mission officials now define the core strategy behind the shift as Prevention with Action. The mission emphasizes that the initial enrollment of 22 students serves as a proof of concept for steering vulnerable youth away from substance abuse through long-term economic engagement.
The push continues Tuesday, September 1, with a scheduled 10 am counselling session at ITI Shillong aimed at recruiting the next wave of participants.
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