Shillong, August 31: What if preventing drugs begins not with telling young people what not to do, but by giving them something positive to do.
This is the thinking behind DREAM YOUNG, a new initiative of the DREAM Mission, Government of Meghalaya, which is shifting the focus from the traditional “Say No to Drugs” message to a more practical approach of “Prevention with Action.”
The programme focuses particularly on young people who have dropped out of formal education and those from underprivileged families who may have limited opportunities for further education, skills or employment.
As part of the first phase of the programme, the DREAM Mission collaborated with the Seng Kynthei Katholic, Zone 2, which identified and brought together 69 young people. In April 2026, these youths were taken to a Skill Centre to introduce them to various opportunities for vocational training and skill development.
Today, through continued counselling and support, and with the cooperation of the Principal and staff of the ITI, Shillong, the Directors of Don Bosco Technical School, Shillong and Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shillong and most importantly, the hard work of the Seng Kynthei Katholic, Zone 2, 22 of these youths have successfully enrolled in various trades at ITI Shillong, Don Bosco Technical School, Shillong and Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shillong.
For the DREAM Mission, this is more than just an enrolment figure. “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.”
The DREAM Mission believes that providing vulnerable youth with skills and opportunities for employment or self-employment can play an important role in preventing substance abuse. A young person equipped with skills has a greater opportunity to become economically independent, start a business or find meaningful employment.
The initiative is being taken forward in coordination with the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS), ITIs and other skill-training institutions. Strengthening ITIs across Meghalaya.
The DREAM Mission believes that this effort cannot remain confined to one location. It has therefore written to all Deputy Commissioners requesting them to examine the condition and functioning of ITIs in their respective districts and explore ways of strengthening these institutions.
DREAM Mission believes that in today’s world, simply obtaining a college degree does not necessarily guarantee employment. But having relevant skills can open doors to employment and entrepreneurship.
The long-term objective of DREAM YOUNG is therefore to create a system where young people who have left formal education are not left behind, but are guided towards skills, employment, entrepreneurship and economic independence.
Next phase begins, On next Tuesday, 1st September, 2026 at 10AM, the DREAM Mission will visit the ITI to support the counselling and enrolment of more young people into various trades.
The media is cordially invited to attend the programme and witness first-hand the progress of DREAM YOUNG and the young people who are taking the first steps towards building a future for themselves.The DREAM Mission emphasises that the enrolment of 22 youths is only the beginning.
From prevention through awareness to prevention through opportunity DREAM YOUNG seeks to make “Prevention with Action” a long-term strategy for Meghalaya’s youth.
