IDUKKI:
As part of the ongoing ‘drug-free Kerala’ campaign of Vimukthi Mission, Janamaithri wing of the Excise Department has launched a football coaching programme for tribal students in the district.
The project aims at promoting the sporting talent of tribal youth and motivate them to lead a healthy and focussed life by steering clear of addictive drugs and intoxicants. The programme, launched by Devikulam unit of Janamaithri wing of Excise Department with the support of Scheduled Tribes Development Department and Adimali Panchayat, also seeks to spread the drug-free message to entire tribal communities by moulding children as influencers.
A total of 66 children from tribal hamlets and Tribal Hostel in Adimali were selected for the training. The coaching sessions, led by former Santhosh Trophy footballer Salim Kutty, will be held on Saturdays and Sundays. Recently, four students were selected to Junior Blasters team, out of 30 children who attended the selection camp for Idukki district.
The excise department has chalked out several programmes to engage tribal youth creatively in their free time, so that they can be prevented from falling prey to addictive substances.
