Chithuen Phendhey Association Conducts Drug Prevention Awareness Programme at SCE
The Chithuen Phendhey Association, operating under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, conducted a drug prevention and awareness campaign at Samtse College of Education on Wednesday, 7 May 2026, as part of its nationwide outreach programme themed, “Every Child is Precious. Drugs Must Not Steal Their Future.” Samtse marked the association’s 18th dzongkhag visit out of 20.
The programme brought together student teachers, faculty members, and representatives from the association to discuss the growing challenges of substance abuse and mental health in Bhutan. Welcoming the programme, second-year Bio/Chemistry student Yeshey Lhaden expressed gratitude on behalf of the student teachers and highlighted the importance of such awareness initiatives in nurturing informed, empathetic, and resilient future educators.
The first presentation was delivered by Ugyen Kelzang, a member of the association, who provided an overview of the organisation’s establishment by His Majesty the King in 2010. He spoke about the increasing number of drug-related cases and incarcerations in the country, stressing that addiction should not be viewed simply as a sign of mental weakness. He also highlighted the association’s rehabilitation and reintegration efforts and raised concern over the growing issue of alcohol abuse and related health complications.
One of the programme’s most impactful sessions came from Tshering Wangdi of Punakha, a recovering addict and counsellor, who shared his personal journey through 18 years of drug addiction and 11 years of alcohol dependency before achieving four years of sobriety. Reflecting on his difficult childhood, struggles with addiction, repeated job losses, and failed rehabilitation attempts, he encouraged students to seek support and remain resilient during difficult times. He now uses his experiences to counsel and guide others facing similar challenges.
Another presenter, Binod Sanyasi, an alumnus of Samtse College of Education, discussed addiction through the framework of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). Referring to data from Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, he highlighted the increasing number of Alcohol Liver Disease cases and rising suicide rates in Bhutan. He emphasised the importance of emotional wellbeing, parental support, and early intervention in shaping healthy development and preventing addiction.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Yeshi Gyeltshen, another second-year Bio/Chemistry student, followed by a group photograph. Through its continuing nationwide campaign, the Chithuen Phendhey Association reinforced the message that prevention, compassion, and awareness remain essential in protecting young people from substance abuse and its long-term consequences.
