Don Bosco BREADS’ DREAM Project Unveils Impact Study Report: A Milestone in Kerala’s Fight Against Drug Abuse
On Saturday, 17 May 2025, the DREAM (Drug Rehabilitation Education and Mentoring) Project marked a significant milestone with the official release of its impact study report at the Press Club, Thiruvananthapuram. The DREAM Project is a rights-based initiative by BREADS (Bangalore Rural Educational and Development Society), the development office of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Bangalore Province. Since its inception in November 2021, DREAM has empowered hundreds of thousands of children and youth across 10 districts of Kerala to dream beyond drugs through awareness, counselling, de-addiction services, and rehabilitation.
The event featured the release of the impact study report conducted by Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery. The report was released by Shri John Brittas (Hon. MP, Rajya Sabha) and received by Dr Arun S Nair, IAS (Director, Department of Social Justice, Government of Kerala), in the presence of Rev Fr Shalbin Kalanchery SDB (Vice Provincial, Salesian Province of Bangalore) and other dignitaries.
The program began with a general welcome from Mr. Anoopraj, State Project Coordinator of DREAM, followed by an insightful session on substance use and mental health by Dr. R. Jayaprakash, Chief of the Behavioral Pediatrics Unit at SAT Hospital. This was followed by the DREAM Impact Study book release, with a warm welcome address by Fr. Philip Parakatt, SDB, State Director of the DREAM Project. Dr. Reena Merin Cherian and her team from Rajagiri College presented the key findings of the DREAM Impact Study, highlighting the program’s extensive outreach and effectiveness. Rev. Fr. Shalbin Kalanchery, SDB, Vice Provincial of the Salesian Province of Bangalore, delivered the keynote address, while Fr. P. S. George, SDB, Executive Director of BREADS, gave a special address. Ms. Reshmi Omanakuttan, Deputy Vice President II of Federal Bank, also shared an encouraging message.
A panel discussion, moderated by Fr. Philip Parakatt, SDB, former member of the Kerala State Child Rights Commission, brought together key government officials to share their departmental efforts in preventing substance abuse among children and youth. The panelists included Smt. Jalaja S, Additional Director of the Department of Social Justice; Adv. Shaniba Beegam, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee; Dr. Kiran P. S., State Nodal Officer for Mental Health; Shri. Pradeep V. A., Joint Excise Commissioner (VIMUKTHI) and Smt. Suja S. J., District Child Protection Officer, Trivandrum. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Shri. Benny Augustine, Project Manager at BREADS.
This event not only celebrated the impact DREAM has made so far but also reaffirmed the collective commitment of civil society, government departments, and development organizations in building a drug-free future for Kerala’s youth.
