We have learned from our experience that de-addiction is difficult and prevention of addiction is easy. Without investing adequate effort in prevention of addiction (rather than just de-addiction) the pool of addicts continues to increase. For this reason, since 2012-13 we have started working vigorously to prevent addiction. Last year, we went to all of the schools of all of the villages where TF works- first in the month of July and then for a followup in the month of December. 

 

We contacted around 160,000 students- the response was very encouraging, and we have continued with the program this year as well. In the program, the students took a pledge not to use tobacco ever in their lives and more interestingly they convinced their elders to give up tobacco very effectively. Our aspiration is to have tobacco-free schools. 

 

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