Best Practices 2

1. Title of the Practice: “Buddy Program”
2. Objectives of the Practice

The main objectives and intended outcomes are to:

• educate youth about the ill-effects of drug abuse;
• facilitate generation of positive peer influence to curb the menace of drug addiction; and
• develop knowledge, right attitude and behavioural patterns along with necessary skills among adolescent age groups to prevent drug abuse;

3. The Context:

• Drug addiction among youth is a pressing issue facing Punjabi society.
• As per records, there are 2.62 lakh addicts in government-run centres and 6.12 lakh addicts in the privately-run centres, but the actual figures are on the higher side (The Hindustan Times, March 22, 2023). The numbers suggests the severity of the situation.
• The Government of Punjab in the year 2018, calling for war against drug launched ‘Tu Mera Buddy’ programme to take the war against drugs to schools and colleges. Under the programme, colleges were required to form buddy groups.
• Under the Buddy program 9.51 lakh groups in various educational institutions have been formed and more than 43.5 lakh students were enrolled as Buddies.

4. The Practice

• Government Mohindra College implemented the provisions of the Buddy programmes. A committee was formed under the patronage of the Principal looking after implementation of the programme.
• The college enrols more than 7000 students in any given year. Every students was reached to enrol under the programme.

5. Evidence of Success

• The committee overseeing Buddy Programme has been thoroughly active in term of number of activities planned and executed over the years against the menace of drug addiction.
• It organized number of programmes such as:
• rallies,
• extension lectures,
• slogan writing competitions,
• essay writing competitions,
• video presentation on harmful effects of drugs,
• Adoption of innovative E – D – P strategy
• Role plays of Drug Abuse skill training by Department of Psychology
• Through these innovative measures, the Committee inspired students to spread the message of drug-addiction free campuses and drug-addiction free society.

6. Problems Encountered and Resources Required

• Lack of resources in conducting awareness sessions and role plays to teach drug refusal skills to the students.
• Shortage of staff as compared to the total strength of students;
• Lack of Smart Class Rooms to show videos and PPTs to students;
• The College did not have a full time counsellor.