As part of the pilot programme on Substance Abuse Prevention Awareness in Hikkaduwa, John Keells Foundation conducted a programme for 70 parents representing four preschools from five Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions of Hikkaduwa on 24th September 2020.

The programme was followed by the appointment of a ‘Vision Team’ comprising a pre-school teacher and parent representing the four pre-schools from the Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions, Early Childhood Development Officer, Child Rights Protection Officer and Women Development Officer from the Divisional Secretariat, Hikkaduwa, Grama Niladhari of the respective GN Divisions, and Police Officers from Hikkaduwa Police Station. This team was established to identify community related issues, to drive this initiative within the community and to ensure its sustainability.

The initiative was conducted under the John Keells Praja Shakthi initiative in Hikkaduwa in partnership with Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon and technical partner, Humedica Lanka.
This project was initiated as the use of drugs by school children has been a significant concern particularly because it is a sensitive age and by equipping teachers and parents with a proper understanding of the risks and dangers of drugs and a physical environment to support drug prevention, it is believed that the probability of children engaging in drug-user behaviour can be minimised.