SFPI Backs Statewide SAFE Keralam Programme to Build a Substance-Abuse-Free Generation in Kerala
Kerala sets a national benchmark in community-led drug demand reduction
February, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: The Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) has partnered with Fourth Wave Foundation’s program for drug demand reduction called ‘S.A.F.E. Keralam’ to be launched in 75 LSGD’s across the State of Kerala.
In a landmark move to safeguard children and youth from substance abuse, the Government of Kerala, Dept of LSGD sanctioned a Statewide program for drug demand reduction in partnership with Fourth Wave Foundation as the knowledge partner, with funding from the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI). This pioneering initiative underscores Kerala’s bold commitment to nurturing a safer, healthier generation and guiding young people towards a substance-free future through a multistakeholder approach to create model panchayats that are SAFE.
The Government of Kerala’s statewide adoption of the ‘S.A.F.E. Keralam’ program stands as a clear endorsement of the Fourth Wave Foundation’s leadership in substance abuse prevention and drug demand reduction work in Kerala over the last decade. The LSGD model is designed to be scalable, replicable, evidence-based, community-driven framework to create safe, sustainable, and substance-free environments for children and youth.
‘S.A.F.E. Keralam’ works in various panchayats and municipalities across the state which are at various phases of the program. The 5-year State Level program in the selected new 75 LSGD’s across Kerala will serve as a working model and blueprint for replication across the State, demonstrating a scalable and impactful approach to address drug demand reduction and early prevention in a scientific and sensible format for community participation in safeguarding young lives.
S.A.F.E. Keralam at Muriyad, a beacon of Substance-Abuse-Free Environment for Children & Youth
Over the past two years, Muriyad Grama Panchayat, has implemented the SAFE Keralam Program covering over 6,000 households systematically through three strategic phases.
A landmark achievement of the program on second year of its anniversary was a public oath taking to safeguard Muriyad by its residents forming a human chain of 3500 people at Pothumbuchira, which was transformed into vibrant tourist destination, exemplifying the Panchayat’s innovative, community-driven approach to social reform. The Human Chain committed towards drug demand reduction was organised. This program has been successfully adopted under the exemplary leadership of Jose J Chittilapally, who was Panchayat President and has now taken charge as District Panchayat member.
Fourth Wave Foundation programs were strategically conducted working together with various stakeholders like the Kudumbashree which hosted 500 Koottayama or community gatherings, 50 formal drug demand reduction programs led by the grama Sabha ward members. Seven government schools and one private school underwent the entire school development program compete with student empowerment program, teacher training and school assessments for safety. Capacity budling for ICDS, MGNREGA, Haritakarmasena, and other important strategic panchayat level groups have now led to the formation of antidrug committees that oversees the safety of Muriyad.
Minister for Higher Education and Social Justice, R. Bindhu, honored Ms Diana Vincent, Director of the Fourth Wave Foundation, acknowledging the team’s outstanding contributions in transforming Muriyad into a Best Model SAFE Village through sustained and impactful anti-drug initiatives. Marking a decisive stride toward youth safety and substance abuse prevention, the Fourth Wave Foundation, through Project VENDA, rolled out the five-year S.A.F.E.T.Y. (Substance Abuse Free Team Youth) Program at Christ College (Autonomous), Irinjalakuda. The student-led drug prevention ‘Project MUKTHI’ was launched on the campus in association with the NSS unit. The initiative equips young people to be informed, confident prevention influences, strengthening peer-led action.
By cultivating a substance-abuse-free campus ecosystem, it extends its impact beyond the institution, mobilizing youth leadership to safeguard and inspire children and young people in neighboring communities
With SFPI’s support, SAFE Keralam is poised to serve as a blueprint for nationwide replication, demonstrating how philanthropy, government, and communities can collaboratively secure a safer, substance-abuse-free future for India’s next generation.
About Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI)
Driven by a deep sense of responsibility toward society, the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) has been transforming lives for over 25 years through focused efforts in education, healthcare, organic farming, and the arts. Founded by Mrs. Kumari Shibulal and Mr. S. D. Shibulal, SFPI operates on the belief that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, a principle that shaped the founders’ own journeys. Its educational initiatives like Ankur, The Samhita Academy, Vidyadhan, and Vidyarakshak empower students from underserved communities, creating opportunities for a better future. SFPI also drives systemic reform through Shikshalokam, which is co-building Shikshagraha, a people’s movement for education equity. Learn more at: www.sfpi.org
About Fourth Wave Foundation
Fourth Wave Foundation’s S.A.F.E. Keralam Program: is a community-driven drug demand reduction initiative of Project VENDA© that has been working in Kerala for over a decade. The S.A.F.E. (Substance Abuse Free Environment) Village Program will be implemented in 75 Local Self Governments across Kerala by Fourth Wave Foundation’s Project VENDA© in partnership with the Local Self Government Department of Kerala. This program will be chiefly supported by the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI).
About Project VENDA
Project VENDA© of the Fourth Wave Foundation works in Kerala to effectively contain and address the issue of narcotics and substance abuse among children and young adults. The model, which has already empowered 12,00,000 students across government schools, has been recognized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for its best practices with respect to working with children and young adults, and is supported by the Drug Abuse Prevention Center (DAPC), Japan.
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