Children Lead the Change: Flashmob and Street Theatre Against Drug Abuse

On the International Day Against Drug Abuse, children from Don Bosco Veedu’s AWAKE project transformed the streets of Trivandrum into a bold stage for awareness, art, and action.

In a compelling public demonstration to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, children from Don Bosco Veedu’s AWAKE Project took centre stage at Sahayamatha Church, Manacaud, and later in MSK Nagar, delivering a powerful street play aimed at raising awareness and sparking dialogue around the growing threat of substance abuse.

The event began with a dynamic flash mob, followed by a poignant street play highlighting the impact of drug addiction on youth and families. A symbolic moment unfolded as Fr. Jiji Kalavanal, Rector of Don Bosco Veedu, led the assembled crowd in a powerful anti-drug pledge echoed by children and community members alike.

“We are the voice of a future that says no to drugs,” declared Kavya, the project coordinator of AWAKE, as dozens of children stamped their handprints on canvas, forming a vivid mural of unity and resistance.

The heart of the programme took place in MSK Nagar, an urban slum deeply impacted by substance abuse. Here, the campaign brought together a diverse group of the local community—children, youth, and women—who actively participated in both the performance and the dialogue.Organised under the AWAKE Project, which works towards the empowerment and protection of vulnerable urban populations, the event aimed not only to raise awareness but also to ignite collective resolve. The visual storytelling and symbolic actions conveyed a clear message: prevention begins with the community, and change starts with children.