Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Programme Hosted at Samtse College of Education
Samtse College of Education (SCE) hosted a Drug and Substance Abuse Awareness Programme on 22 April 2026 to sensitise students to the risks and consequences associated with substance use. The programme was facilitated by officials from Samtse Police, led by the Officer Commanding (OC), and attended by the Dean of Student Affairs (DSA).
The session brought together students from the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) first and second years, as well as the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PgDE) first year. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Councillor Kinley Wangdi, followed by an informative presentation delivered by the OC.
During the session, OC Lieutenant Colonel Tandin engaged participants by assessing their prior understanding of drugs and substance abuse. Emphasis was placed on the growing prevalence of drug use among youth, with awareness identified as a critical preventive strategy. Reference was made to a statement by His Majesty the Fifth Druk Gyalpo on 17 December 2022, highlighting drug abuse as a serious threat to the nation’s economy and its future generations.
The session covered key areas such as the definition and types of drugs, the nature of addiction, and its links to peer pressure. The physical, psychological, and cognitive impacts of substance abuse were discussed, along with its adverse effects on academic life, including absenteeism, declining motivation, and failure to meet academic responsibilities. Broader implications for social harmony, community security, and the allocation of government resources were also highlighted.
An interactive question-and-answer session provided students with the opportunity to seek clarification, including on aspects such as drug testing procedures. The programme concluded with a strong emphasis on prevention, personal responsibility, and informed decision-making.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Councillor Yeshi Gyeltshen.
