Can children be steered away from substance abuse without advice or scolding? Office bearers of the Mahatma Gandhi University unit of U3A, an international organisation, believe it is possible.
Aiming to reshape children’s perspectives and rally them against drugs, U3A will implement this initiative across the state during the summer vacation. While U3A primarily focuses on ensuring a fulfilling third phase of life for senior citizens, it has also incorporated programmes for school students into its activities.
In April and May, U3A will conduct 100 workshops across various centres for students from Class 8 and above, using the Theme-Centred Interaction (TCI) method. These two-day workshops will be designed to be engaging and interactive, ensuring students stay interested.
According to U3A Director Dr Tony Thomas, the initiative aims to transform students’ attitudes towards academics, extracurricular activities, and life goals.
The programme is coordinated by Vice-Chancellor Dr C.T. Aravindakumar, Dr Tony Thomas, and U3A Mentor Dr Thomas Abraham. Experts trained in this field, known as Butterfly Facilitators, will lead the workshops.
As part of the preparatory activities, Dr Thomas Abraham and Akkamma Mathew held discussions with officials, teachers, and PTA representatives at Koruthode C. Kesavan Memorial School.
School principals can enrol students in the workshops by contacting the following phone numbers: Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad – 9400225511, 9895456995. Thrissur, Ernakulam, Idukki – 8921435190. Kottayam, Alappuzha – 9447374804. Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram – 9447721910.
