NGO embarks on dual mission

KUCHING: The International Society for Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Malaysia will embark on a dual mission for this year, namely Nurturing the Seeds of Resilience and Cultivating Champion of Change.

According to its president, Cindy Biding, “as the sun breaks on 2024, ISSUP Malaysia stands at the precipice of a new era, an era built on empowerment and evidence, where we turn the tide on addiction before it even begins.”

“Prevention, not merely a word, but a vibrant tapestry woven from science, collaboration, and action, will be our guiding light.

“This year, we embark on a dual mission which is on Nurturing the Seeds of Resilience and Cultivating Champions of Change,” she said in a press statement on Sunday.

She said, as for Nurturing the Seeds of Resilience, ISSUP will sow the seeds of evidence-based prevention programmes in schools.

“Rooted in science, these programmes are not hollow lectures, but tailored interventions, nurturing the skills and knowledge youth need to navigate temptation’s siren song.

“It’s a shift from awareness campaigns to targeted action, empowering our children to stand strong against the shadows of addiction,” she explained.

Meanwhile, on Cultivating Champions of Change, she said the journey demands allies, a symphony of expertise echoing across the land.

“We call upon teachers, parents, community leaders, and education departments: be the chorus, guiding young minds with your wisdom and support.

“University students, your passion for prevention fuels our fire: join the orchestra, bringing fresh perspectives and vibrant energy.

“Fellow NGOs, champions of children’s health: weave your voices into the melody, enriching our chorus with your experience. And to all volunteers, the heartbeat of our movement: your dedication will be the rhythm that keeps us marching forward,” she added.

She then said the reasons of unwavering focus on prevention is that the scars of addiction run deep, etching themselves onto families, communities, and nations.

“It’s a venomous serpent, draining resources, shattering dreams, and casting a long shadow of lost potential. This is not a burden we can, will not, bear any longer.

“That’s why we reject the ineffective whispers of awareness campaigns. We embrace the scientific torch, illuminating the path towards evidence-based interventions, a systemic shift governments and civil societies must embrace. No more hollow slogans, we need science to back our actions,” she said.

Therefore, Cindy said this is a call to action, a clarion cry for an Empowered Alliance.

“We invite you, not just to listen, but to join the chorus. Lend your voice, your expertise, your passion, and together, let us rewrite the narrative. Let 2024 be the year we empower our children with the knowledge to resist, equip educators and communities with the tools to guide and hampion evidence-based solutions that truly work,” she said.

Cindy said with everyone’s join hands together, they can build a future where the seeds of resilience bloom in every child, where addiction’s shadows are swept away by the light of empowered prevention.

“Answer the call. Join the Empowered Alliance. Let’s make 2024 the year we conquer addiction, not with brute force, but with the brilliance of science, the power of collaboration, and the unwavering hope of a brighter tomorrow.

“The stage is set. Will you raise your voice with ours?,” Cindy stated.