Wesley opens Red Ribbon Week

The teenage years can be confusing in the best of circumstances and when the ever present temptation of alcohol and other drugs is thrown into the mix, that confusion can become deadly. That’s why Red Ribbon Week at one Belize City school is meant to make a difference.

Jacqueline Woods, Reporting

This is the time of the year when students from Wesley College take part in a series of activities promoting a drug free life.

Tania Domingo, Peer Helper

?I think there is a problem with drugs at all schools and it just shows how much you put into it to help solve the problem.?

For the past five years the high school has dedicated one week to sensitize its young men and women to the dangers of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and other illicit drugs. This year they want the students to realize that they have the power to live a positive and healthy life.

Rodel Beltran Perera, Supporter, Drug Awareness Week

?It aims at keeping or wishing to look very closely at keeping drugs out of the school and keeping drugs out of the reach of students as part of drug awareness week here at the institution. Red Ribbon Week as they call it. I think it works well; students are able to stand up and listen. Throughout the entire week there are going to be messages; messages that are really reaching them on the dangers of drugs.

But are the messages really getting through to the students?

Rodel Beltran Perera

?Yes, that is a challenge too. To actually do a survey amongst their student population to see if the messages are reaching. The principal, Mrs Armstrong, has shared that it is going well. That they take a step back and they look at it and they know that it is happening, that it is reaching those students. ?

Other activities for Red Ribbon Week include a parade, talent show and a parents’ potluck evening. Jacqueline Woods for News 5.