BELADIN – The Family JERAT Programme: Community Intervention for Drug Abuse recently convened at Dewan Al-Amin in Beladin, with a focus on raising awareness among youth and school students about the dangers posed by substance abuse and its link to domestic violence.
The event was closed by Zakaria Mos, Beladin Zone Chief, who emphasised that drug misuse remains a pressing issue within the local community and must be addressed collaboratively by all stakeholders. He urged youngsters to steer clear of drugs, warning that involvement could damage moral character and jeopardise prospects for future employment.
Zakaria also addressed parents and educators directly, calling on them to take active roles in guiding children so they do not fall prey to harmful behaviours such as drug use and vaping.
The Family JERAT initiative emerged as a response to increasing concerns that drug abuse among teens may precipitate broader social problems, including family discord and violence. It seeks to provide education and preventive strategies to mitigate these risks.
While specific statistics on drug rates or domestic violence in Beladin were not provided during the event, similar programmes elsewhere have demonstrated that awareness-raising efforts contribute positively to reduced substance abuse and increased reporting of domestic violence.
By combining community dialogue, engagement with schools, and encouragement of parental oversight, the programme aims to equip young people with knowledge and support systems to resist the lure of drugs, and to prevent escalation of domestic strain or abuse.