The Story So Far…

Launched on May 26″ 2013, SAATHI was piloted in two Government Schools of Sikkim. With successful results and feedbacks from the piloted schools, the programme was then scaled up to 30 schools in 2016, 70 schools in 2017 and by 2018, SAATHI programme was carried out in 100 Government schools in Sikkim.

By 2018, SAATHI has successfully achieved its target of covering a total of 100 schools. By then it had trained around 500 teachers and 5000 peer educators. In addition to this, SAATHI has reached out and counselled 16000 parents/guardians,300 SMC members and has reached to 25000 people from the local communities in Sikkim. SAATHI programme has impacted 75000 students  during its first phase.

with the successful completion of its first phase, SAATHI started the second phase of the program in 2019. The second phase of the program not only targeted the substance abuse related issue however it also spread the awareness regarding mental health related issues.

The calamitous impact of COVID-19 pandemic has also effected SAATHI’s work due to which employees has to work from home and rely on digital tools to ensure work efficiency. SAATHI has conducted activities through digital media as well as going to field whenever it was possible. 

By the end of its Six years journey, SAATHI has directly covered a total of 100 schools and 110 through extension program completed by 100 SAATHI schools. It have also trained 5892 Peer Educators, around 700 teachers of Government schools as well as private schools. During these Six years, approx. 30,00 0people from local communities was also impacted.

SAATHI has indeed made a strong impact in the area of de-stigmatizing and prevention of substance abuse in Sikkim.