Drug Reduction Program continues
The National Drug Abuse Control Council has signed agreements with general managers of primary schools to proceed with the Drug Demand Reduction Program. The program, now being used in ninety-six schools across the country, uses an experimental learning approach to teach students about drugs, their consequences and other related issues. The major goal of the program is to promote the protection and well being of children through the provision of relevant personal, social and health education. Keith Emmanuel NDACC’s School and Community Programs Coordinator told News Five more.
Keith Emmanuel, Coordinator, NDACC
“It’s a program that is definitely now going to be consolidated. And, this event today is to iron out all the arrangements that we need to have. All the different points we need to consider in developing the school drug prevention program. Because really it is a very comprehensive program. And, the National Drug Council cannot do it by itself; it needs the support of its other partners in prevention. Especially these General Managers and the Ministry of Education. And like I said earlier I am extremely happy today that we have been able to hammer out this arrangement and to get ahead with the task of helping our young people out there.”
Chief Education Officer, Cecil Reneau told the children at yesterday’s event that they can make the right choice not to take drugs.
Dr. Cecil Reneau, Chief Education Officer
“In my life, walking through I could have smoked marijuana. I could have probably taken cocaine. I could have done a lot of these things but I chose not to. You have that same power, use it.”
It is hoped that this program will allow students to share their personal experiences and to support each other’s learning.
Shanice Lovell, Student, St. Martin de Porres
“I think it could help me out because like lots of kids at my school always like to fight and you know, it would help them to understand better that we could all be friends and we don’t have to fight.”
Nazsha Smith, Student, St. Martin de Porres
“I think it would help us to make the right choice and the side effects of how it could affect our body.”
Maria Waight, Student, Belize Elementary School
“Well, it is encouraging children not to take drugs and it is preventing them. So I think that if they continue working hard a lot of people will stop taking liquor and drugs and it will help them a lot.”
NDACC says that the program will help children to have a better relationship with their parents as well as teachers. Hyacinth Latchman for News Five.
The agreements were signed yesterday at the Radisson Fort George.
