Burmese Refugee Youth Prevent Addiction & Violence

 Again, huge thanks to all those who have supported the DARE Network teams in their struggle to combat the substance abuse which affects the displaced communities of Eastern Burma. They continue to be faced with an uncertain future and difficult daily life. Local media are reporting a possible increase in armed conflict and refugee numbers as the end of the rainy season approaches.

Two of the communities you support are just recovering from flooding that has left more than 1500 people in one community living in temporary shelters due to damaged or destroyed houses. In addition one badly affected section of about 2300 people has been cut-off from most forms of assistance as the only bridge connecting them to the main camp was destroyed in the flood, they are now relying on 2 small boats for emergency transport and to ferry supplies. The broader area was also affected with significant landslides and flooding claiming 7 lives and destroying many houses across the region. Due to your support DARE is able to make a small contribution to the combined effort to get peoples’ lives back to normal.

Despite the weather and damage the DARE Network teams continue to carry out the vital work you support them to do. World anti-drug day events were held in all 5 refugee camps during June, with displays, sporting events and rallies building community awareness and participation in the battle against the effects of drugs and addiction. The monthly Frisbee tournaments are still being held and the teenager teams are still visiting schools with the message about the consequences of using drugs and alcohol.

Some feedback from Umpiem Camp;

 DARE Network Program benefit to our community. We can say benefit because of some of client after they finished treatment and stay free from using. And when they see us in community they explain to other people that how DARE worker help him and take care of him to free from this problem. And more people are accepting us by providing addiction knowledge to community.

Suggestions

-       If possible want to recruit more workers in our team.

-       If possible we want to recruit more teenagers to our teenagers group.

-       Need more sport equipment for teenagers (because they are very active in emotional, physical and if we can support them it will benefit to our community a lot).

We hope you can continue to support our work.

DARE Network Team

Links:

• Our website