Wesley College takes stand against drugs
The admonition to stay away from drugs is a pretty straightforward one. But never underestimate the creativity and dedication of the students and faculty of Wesley College when it comes to getting the message out. Patrick Jones reports.
Patrick Jones, Reporting
They’re only play-acting…but the message is right on target. Drugs hurt, and they kill. And students here at Wesley College are this week engaging each other in frank and open dialogue about the issue. Brenda Armstrong is Principal of Wesley College.
Brenda Armstrong, Principal, Wesley College
“For us there is the need for emphasis to be placed on drug awareness. We live in a society where the messages that our children are getting are saying it’s okay, use this, start now, don’t worry it won’t bother you. And so we have to put a lot of time and emphasis on avoiding drugs. Stay away from those things. And so this week is our effort to call attention, make it a big thing, that everybody can make that pledge again.”
It’s a pledge designed to ensure that the next generation of Belizeans who pass through this institution grow up sober and high on something other than mind-altering substances. Peer Helper Tyra Cuthkelvin says the message is finding its target more these days because the audience can identify with the messengers.
Tyra Cuthkelvin, Prefect, Wesley College
“But this year it’s more in-depth. Each of us, the youths here are getting through to other youths through skits and presentations in their classroom. And I think with us being here it attacks them, it gets to them more. They take in a lot more through these presentations that we are doing.”
Brenda Armstrong
“It’s a little bit more than just say no. Our theme for this year for instance is “United for a drug free Belize.” Because as an individual, if I just say no, I still have to face the pressures and the bombardment from my peers, my friends, even those who would tempt me. But if they are united, if at all levels, family, school, society, we feel that it’s a better effort. So it’s more than just say no.”
Jamie Thompson, who is another peer helper, says activities like Red Ribbon week go a long way in helping young people make crucial life decisions.
Jamie Thompson, Head Boy Wesley College
“The significance of the activity we did in here today was to inform the students and let them know the consequence of using either of the three drugs.”
Patrick Jones
“As a young person what have you learnt most from this play-acting?”
Jamie Thompson
“I learnt that usually, taking drugs might be, people might consider it as good to be popular and on along term basis it affects your body.”
That effect was readily demonstrated to these first form students by Karen Bodden, a visiting counsellor with the National Drug Abuse Control Council who showed the class what one cigarette does to the lungs. And the graphic show-and-tell left the boys and girls with a sobering lesson.
Jamie Thompson
“Usually its one thing to deliver the message and it’s another thing to use it for yourself. So I think after this drug week here they will use the information they have.”
Tyra Cuthkelvin
“Don’t take drugs because it destroys a person’s life.”
Jamie Thompson
“Most of all I think it affects your learning. So that alone would give you the incentive not to take drugs.”
The highlight of Drug Awareness week at Wesley College is the annual red ribbon day on Wednesday. Armstrong says it’s the fifth year running and each time, the message stays the same.
Brenda Armstrong
“The ribbon is symbolic. It is supposed to signify that ribbon-to-ribbon, we are united as one. The original idea as you probably know came for the Untied States and its been adopted by us here and we’ve modified it to suit ourselves, but we always keep the red ribbon. And in fact in the course of the day, that is Wednesday, we keep those ribbons on as a sign to the entire public that in this institution, even though one of us might fall, even though we might be tempted, we don’t say that we don’t have problems with the issue here, we remain steadfast. And that if we stick with what we are saying, we will in the end overcome those temptations.”
Patrick Jones, for News 5.
Other activities for Drug awareness week at Wesley College include a morning church service on Wednesday followed by a parade, a Wear Red Day and Talent Show on Thursday and a parent’s potluck evening on Friday. The school currently has a student population of five hundred and fifty-four and a faculty of over thirty teachers.
