DIMAPUR — The department of Youth Resources and Sports (YRS) will be setting up ‘Youth recreational and impact centre’ in Longleng, Mon, Tuensang and Kiphire districts.
The project under State Innovative Programme and approved by the government was launched on May 22, a DIPR report stated. The project aims to target youth who are going through difficult circumstances due to limited opportunities, which could lead to growing incidences of drug and alcohol abuse, juvenile delinquency, teen pregnancies, and many other problems.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]By setting up those centres, the department aims to provide a wholesome, safe and adequately equipped space for the youth and also create positive experiences leading to lower crime rates by raising more educated, happy, and responsible citizens, it stated.
“A well-run community centre can serve as a thriving hub of activities for youth. Unfortunately, in Nagaland, such recreational centers are very few and mostly confined to metro cities.
“Besides, these facilities are not meeting the needs of the people around them because they are mostly privately owned businesses and many youths cannot access due to economic reasons.
“An acute shortage of ‘free’ community recreational centres compels most youth to either spend their free time at home or on the streets, leading to numerous juvenile-related problems like depression, juvenile crimes, substance abuse, teen pregnancies, etc.,” it stated.
The YRS department was of the view that the role of such centres is crucial for communities that lack the necessary facilities to keep children in safe environments after school hours and during their free time.
“They will provide the youth to have a healthy outlet for their creativity as well as energy, leading to a step forward toward long-term community improvement,” it added.