SCA students raise funds for drug rehab
The fight against drugs in Belize is being carried out on many levels. Last week we reported on action by the region’s military chiefs. Today the focus shifted to demand reduction and rehabilitation.
Jose Sanchez, Reporting
The National Drug Abuse Control Council has since February embarked on a countrywide campaign since February to educate high school students about the dangers of drugs. The students of St. Catherine’s Academy spent this week becoming more aware of the issues.
Sheree Holland, SCA Student
“SCA has been doing this for quite a number of years. Before we start off the week we usually have a theme competition a stamp competition. That’s how we came up with we are the future, lets make it drug free. After that we had the opening on Thursday where we greeted everybody with the little red ribbon to signify drug awareness week. After that we had different games involving red, after the talks about the significance of the colour red.”
Marlon McNab, Director for NDACC says that it has been a success and the girls have achieved more than expected.
Marlon McNab, NDACC
“The primary purpose is to educate the students about the dangers and consequences of drug use, to show them alternatives to drug use. St. Catherine’s went a little bit further this year by having a car wash where they made a donation to Remar today. They also went further by the students making a personal pledge to remain drug free. Be if for one year until they make the pledge again or be it for the rest of their lives.”
The activities involved in the week was primarily the handiwork of the students as they decided on what they wanted to do, including a fund raising event, to help drug rehabilitation.
Ikuko Bradley, SCA Student
“The carwash was an idea to get everybody involved, not just the school but other people out there in the city, to get them involved in our drug awareness week. We raised over four hundred dollars.”
The four hundred dollars was donated to Remar, a Christian ministry which conducts social services for the rehabilitation of drug addicts.
Luis Miguel, Director, Remar
“This was definitely a surprise and pretty much impressive for what these girls are doing with the National Drug Council in Belize.”
“This money came in very handy, because we recently purchased a farm down in Cayo in the Bullet Tree area and just this last week our water pump went down and this cheque came in very handy. So we are going to use it to buy a new water pump system for the farm, where these persons are rehabilitating themselves in the first phase of detoxification.”
The entire student body in support of the week took to the streets this evening to demonstrate their commitment. Reporting for News 5, Jose Sanchez.
McNab says that the programme will make its next stop at San Pedro High School in September.
