DURG: Chhattisgarh’s Durg District Collector Pushpendra Kumar Meena said the common belief is that the potential of youth to bring about lasting change.

He was addressing the launch of the ‘Yuvoday Durg ke Doots’, a transformative volunteering initiative driven by the people of Durg District, backed by District Administration and UNICEF.

He further said the ‘Yuvoday Durg ke Doots’ will provide them with a platform to channel their energy, ideas, and passion. It can be towards driving social progress and making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities.

Job Zachariah, Chief of UNICEF Chhattisgarh underlined the significance of the Volunteer programme in empowering young people and addressing critical community challenges. He said, “UNICEF is committed to supporting adolescents and young people by enhancing their skills and providing opportunities through civic engagement initiatives like Yuvoday Durg ke Doots.”

He called upon the young volunteers to work towards adapting their lifestyles for the betterment of the environment.

The youth platform aims to foster social and behavioural change within families and society to promote the well-being of women and children in the district. More than 150 individuals pledged their support by signing up as volunteers.

The initiative aims to address five priority areas of community development in the Durg district: community-based mental health, adolescent well-being, Village Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Days (VHSND), youth leadership for climate action, and substance abuse prevention.

The programme seeks to create sustainable positive change and enhance the overall well-being of individuals in the district. The platform will build a group of youth champions and advocates who will promote and advocate key behavioural practices across the district. UNICEF will provide technical support to the platform.