The alarming rise in drug abuse among young people has prompted religious organizations to ramp up their community support efforts. Ratnesh Bhawan, President of the Gopal Sadhu Hanumaan Gadhi Mandir Committee, emphasized the vital role that faith-based institutions play in guiding youth through the drug-related challenges they face. He called for open discussions and community backing to effectively tackle these issues.
Bhawan pointed out that re-engaging youths in religious activities could be essential in diverting them from the dangers of substance abuse. He raised a crucial concern about parental engagement, noting that many parents are occupied with their own struggles, leaving their children feeling neglected and increasingly vulnerable to drug use. “If any child is in trouble, come and share it,” Bhawan urged, highlighting the need for strong family ties and open dialogue to ensure that children feel loved and supported.
Faith leaders have begun to expand their outreach initiatives, promoting positive values and aiding young people in avoiding harmful habits. This effort aligns with observations from various organizations recognizing the escalating drug crisis in the region. Leaders from the Methodist Church in Fiji and representatives from the Fiji Council of Churches have echoed Bhawan’s sentiments, advocating for stronger community and family support systems to combat substance abuse.
Community stakeholders are increasingly acknowledging that a collective approach is essential in addressing drug abuse. This entails collaboration among families, schools, and religious institutions. Reports indicate a distressing rise in drug-related incidents, highlighting the necessity for improved educational frameworks and more active family involvement to dissuade youth from engaging in detrimental behaviors.
Despite the pressing concerns surrounding drug use, there is a positive narrative emerging—a united commitment from community leaders to encourage dialogue, enhance outreach, and reinforce family structures to create an empowering environment for their children. By joining forces, religious organizations, families, and the broader community aim to protect youth from the perils of drug use, ultimately cultivating a hopeful future filled with opportunities. This collaborative spirit seeks not only to address the immediate drug crisis but also to promote resilience and well-being in families and communities for years to come.