‘Parents for Hope’ calls on President at State House |04 November 2022

Members of the Parents for Hope association in a souvenir photo with President Ramkalawan at State House (Photo: Joena Meme)

 Outlines its plan to help drug addicts

The ‘Parents for Hope’ association yesterday morning called on President Wavel Ramkalawan at State House to share their drug rehabilitation plan for the country.

Spearheaded by Edna Ravinia, the association, which was established in 2004 and registered three years later, supports drugs addicts and their families.

Mrs Ravinia said the group has not been active during the past two years due to Covid-19 and with the change of government, they wanted to meet with the new head of state to see the government’s plan while at the same time share theirs, which are pending.

The association’s biggest project to date is the setting up of a half-way home for drug users where addicts will be able to get treatment before their re-integration into the society.

Speaking to the media, Mrs Ravinia said they have presented their documents to President Ramkalawan and queried as to whether they could assist in anyway in the national fight against the scourge which has claimed lives and sent many to prison.

“Mr President welcomed us and was very positive during our conversation, agreeing to work with us and support our initiative, although we know it will take a while. He also told us about his government’s plan to build rehabilitation centres around the country and we understand this might take a while due to the present economic difficulties,” said Mrs Ravinia.

Parents for Hope also outlined its challenges which include the fact that drugs is still a taboo subject.

She appealed to parents whose children are addicts to come forward, talk about their experience and seek help because an addict’s behaviour impacts the entire country and not just families and friends.

“I know that a lot of parents have despaired in the past cause maybe as an association we have not done much but I advise them not to lose hope. Let us not be too dependent on government but rather come forward and give a helping hand. If our association can help at least 10 people out of 4000 drug users, it will mean we have done our little part,” she said.

The association said upon the president’s advice it will soon meet up with the minister responsible for family to outline how to better collaborate in this national fight.

Parents for Hope said in the meantime it is going back to the community to talk to parents and other family members to encourage them to join the association.

Patsy Canaya