The Lawrence School, Sanawar Unites with Global Efforts on International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
The Lawrence School, Sanawar, one of the most prestigious and oldest residential schools in India, has joined the global movement to observe the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Held annually on June 26, this international observance highlights the urgent need for action and cooperation to combat the menace of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
The United Nations General Assembly, through resolution 42/112 of December 7, 1987, designated June 26 as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. This important day serves as a reminder of the global commitment to creating a society free from drug abuse and its adverse consequences. Individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide come together to raise awareness and address the significant challenges posed by illicit drugs.
The Lawrence School, Sanawar, champions education and collaboration for positive change. The establishment of the Global Citizenship Program exemplifies our commitment. Amidst the pandemic, our students collaborated with the UNODC on peace, justice, strong institutions, and global citizenship. Counseling became a crucial innovation to address the pandemic’s impact, focusing on life skills, happiness, and emotional health. These efforts extended beyond academics to encompass community service, happiness, and life skills. The school’s learners actively engage in initiatives promoting SDGs, peace, and the rule of law, reaffirming their dedication to a better world on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
In line with this commitment, approximately 30 NCC cadets, including girls, from The Lawrence School, Sanawar, participated in an anti-drug campaign on May 17, 2023. The young campaigners sensitized the community of learners to the detrimental effects of drug abuse on physical, mental, and emotional well-being through informative videos. Our Community of learners is honored to support the Himachal Pradesh Police through the Pradhav campaign in collaboration with our state youth to fight against the emerging problem of drug abuse and illicit trafficking in society, especially amongst the younger generation. They also created captivating posters to disseminate vital information about the harmful consequences of drug abuse among young people.
Mr. Himmat Singh Dhillon, the Headmaster of The Lawrence School, Sanawar, shared his heartfelt thoughts on the occasion, stating, “At The Lawrence School, Sanawar, we believe in nurturing not just academic excellence but also developing the character and including values in our students. On this International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, we stand united in our commitment to creating a drug-free environment where our students can flourish and contribute positively to society. Through education, awareness, and collaborative efforts, we aim to empower our students to make informed choices and become ambassadors of integrity, peace, and a brighter future.”
The Lawrence School, Sanawar maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of substance abuse, emphasizing the importance of a healthy and drug-free environment. As part of their dedication to fostering awareness and promoting education on drug-related issues, the school’s flagship program, Sanawar Model United Nations (SNAMUN), has established a valuable partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Through the ‘Education and Justice’ program, SNAMUN conferences serve as platforms to convey the UNODC’s message and contribute to building a safer and more inclusive world.
On this momentous occasion, Mr. Samarth Pathak, the Communications and Advocacy Lead for South Asia at UNODC, graced the concluding ceremony of the Sanawar Round Square Conference 2023, held in June. Addressing the student delegates, Mr. Pathak shared global and regional best practices and ideas from UNODC, inspiring them to play an active role in shaping a safer, more inclusive, and just world. Eminent experts and changemakers also imparted valuable insights on social and environmental themes, enriching the delegates’ understanding of critical global challenges.