Transformative Initiatives Empowering Youth Shaping Futures

S. AJEETHA BEGUM IPS

The Government of India rolled out Kerala’s SPC program nationwide in 2018. The Home Department of Kerala makes history further by successfully implementing Transformative Youth Initiatives Schemes D-DAD and Project HOPE.

A high pitched voice issues a command and hundreds of synchronised swing of arms strikes the air! What better make us understand the spirit of the Student Police Cadet (SPC) than their electrifying March Past in 14 districts of Kerala every year on August 15! In the realm of contemporary education and social initiatives, few programs initiate the transformation of young lives as profoundly as the Student Police Cadet (SPC), Digital D-Addiction Centres (D-DAD), and Project HOPE in the country. These groundbreaking initiatives of Kerala, implemented with foresight and compassion embody the intersection of education, civic responsibility and community-driven change. Each project in its distinct way shapes the future of youth, addressing critical issues such as law enforcement engagement, digital addiction and the restoration of educational opportunities.

In 2018, the Indian government rolled out the SPC program nationwide, marking a significant milestone in the empowerment of young citizens.

SPC to Learn and Deliver Service

Implemented collaboratively by the Departments of Home and Education with support from various government departments, the project SPC has completed 15 successful years, and has earned national and international acclaim as the largest youth initiative in India. In 2018, the Government of India rolled out the SPC program nationwide, marking another milestone of SPC Kerala’s journey. The program’s central motto, We Learn to Serve, encapsulates its mission to instil a deep sense of duty and commitment toward both self improvement and societal service.

T he SPC program centres on creating a constructive relationship between youth and law enforcement and thereby contributing to effective internal policing. It teaches respect for the law while fostering empathy for vulnerable segments of society and developing resilience against social vices such as substance abuse and intolerance. A well-structured two-year training regimen instils qualities such as leadership, discipline, comradeship, and selfless service in cadets while strengthen their commitment to family, community and the environment; transforming them into proactive change agents and conscientious citizens. Rooted in the core values of the Indian Constitution, the program seeks to foster a secular outlook and spirit of adventure.

T he success stories of SPC are documented. The Swapna Project in Kozhikode raised an astounding Rs. 8-lakh to rebuild a Cadet’s house which was destroyed by falling of a tree. Similarly, the SPC facilitated a liver transplant when the father of a cadet fell critically ill. The cadets’ ability to mobilize resources and demonstrate unwavering commitment to fellow cadets speak volumes about the program’s underlying ethos of selfless service.

T he program’s environmental concern is also reflected in project Madhuravanam, launched in 2023. With the support of local authorities and environmental agencies, the cadets planted and nurtured saplings of rare and endangered trees in Kasargod.

D-DAD for Mental Health of Youth

Online gaming and social media addiction among children are a serious concern in the State. In response, the Digital D-Addiction Centres (D-DAD), equipped with state-of-the-art technology are established to support children grappling with digital addiction. A team of experts in behavioural psychology are involved in counselling, family involvement, and structured routines to reintegrate addicted children into healthy social environments and educational settings.

Initially launched in six cities—Thiruvanan thapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Kannur—D-DAD focuses on providing interactive education, device-free retreats, and scientifically proven techniques for behaviour modification. The centres have handled 1079 cases as of 2025 March out of which 770 are under treatment; 175 referred to other specialists; 735 successfully resolved and 29 clients were dropped out.

Project HOPE

In 2017, Project HOPE was launched with a goal of providing educational support to school drop outs or those who failed in board exams. This initiative primarily targets children from marginalised communities, which include tribal, coastal, and impoverished families, offering them a second chance to continue their education by focusing on life skills, confidence-building, and academic tutoring and helping students rebuild their self-worth and pursue their academic goals.

T he program has been instrumental in transforming the lives of 7,025 students between 2017 and 2024. A remarkable 62.11% of these students successfully passed their SSLC and Plus Two exams illustrate the transformative power of D-DAD.

T he human face of Kerala Police and their innovations are making history in bringing social change. T he SPC, D-DAD, and Project HOPE have demonstrated the potential of education, social responsibility, and youth engagement with law enforcement. These holistic approaches empower students in shaping their communities. Together, they reflect the larger goal of fostering an enlightened, responsible and empowered generation capable of navigating and influencing the complexities of modern society.

T he writer is DIG, Thiruvananthapuram Range, Dept. of Home Affairs, Govt. of Kerala