In a state grappling with rising cases of substance abuse, the launch of the “No Entry” Anti-Drug Campaign across Kerala’s Ernakulam constituency offers a fresh and hopeful response. Spearheaded by MLA Hibi Eden, this community-wide initiative includes the ambitious S.A.F.E. (Substance Abuse Free Environment) Village Program—an intervention model rolled out in 24 panchayats, 9 municipalities, and the Cochin Corporation.

What is the No Entry campaign?

“No Entry” isn’t just a slogan—it is a behavioural change movement with a bold message: “Not in my body. Not in my life. Not in my household. Not in my neighbourhood.” The campaign is driven by Fourth Wave Foundation’s Project VENDA and supported by Jain University’s Future Kerala Mission. It seeks to build drug-free environments by reaching deep into homes, schools, and local bodies, aiming to create resilient communities over the next five years. 

How does the S.A.F.E. Village Program work?

The S.A.F.E. Village Program unfolds in four phases: awareness and capacity building, student empowerment, household and women-focused interventions, and the creation of safe play areas. By blending awareness, education, and grassroots mobilisation, the programme ensures a holistic approach to prevention. It partners with schools, local governance, police, and civil society groups to deliver sustained results.

Why Kerala needs this now

Kerala has seen a disturbing rise in substance abuse among youth, prompting the need for urgent, structured community action. Project VENDA has already reached over 10 lakh children across the state, educating them on the dangers of drug use—efforts that have earned recognition from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

The power of community and collaboration

At the heart of the campaign is the belief that children, communities, and collaborators must work together. By engaging teachers, parents, local leaders, and public-private partnerships, the initiative creates safe, supportive environments to protect vulnerable youth.

With Ernakulam leading the way, the “No Entry” campaign presents a model that can be scaled across Kerala—and potentially the nation—to secure a drug-free future for the next generation.