MAWKYRWAT:
As part of the Tobacco-Free Educational programme, the office of the District School Education Officer, South West Khasi Hills District, Mawkyrwat held signature campaigns cum rallies in different parts of the district from April 18 to May 20.
Rallies and signature campaigns were part of the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) which is observed on May 31 every year, aiming to create awareness of the impact of tobacco and its products on the environment and health. On the theme “Tobacco, a threat to the Environment,” over 450 schools participated, while more than 477 signatures of family, friends, and neighbours were obtained.
Dr Lana Nongbri, State Nodal Officer, National Tobacco Control Program, propagated a message against tobacco usage by stating that it not only damages the environment but affects human health as it can cause death and diseases which create difficulties and a burden on families. The Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions programme has thus become a game-changer in reducing tobacco usage.
While our state has some of the highest cancer rates in the country, with about 8 thousand deaths owing to tobacco usage yearly, the event this year was different as schools all over the district participated with great enthusiasm in sensitising the communities, expecting a change in attitude and reduction in the number of tobacco users.
During such a programme, students could send a message through slogans and placards about the harmful effect of tobacco thereby urging one and all to refrain from such use.