‘Say no to drugs’
Children dressed up in red to mark IDADAIT
HUNDREDS of Fijian children in schools across Suva dressed up in red to mark International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT), or World Drug Day yesterday.
The theme for 2022 was “Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crisis” and was aimed at addressing the physical and psychological impact of substance abuse, drug overdose deaths, and drug-related problems.
Leading up to the main celebration yesterday, various events such as short poetry recitals, model displays, poster competitions and short oratories were done by students to inform their peers on the dangers of drug abuse inside school compounds and in their communities.
Vishnu Deo Memorial School head teacher Niraj Sandhiv highlighted the importance of community awareness in educating students on the harmfulness of getting addicted to drugs.
“This should not just be a week of awareness but instead we must have it throughout the year due to the rise in drug abuse in the country,” he said.
“Some of these children live in settlements and are around drugs all the time, whether they see it being consumed or know someone who consumes drugs.
“Our job as teachers is to teach them to say no to drugs and to make them aware of the side-effects that come with consuming such drugs and it’s also the job of the parents as well to monitor them.”
IDADAIT is celebrated every year on June 26.
Our job as teachers is to teach them to say no to drugs and to make them aware of the side-effects that come with consuming such drugs and it’s also the job of the parents as well to monitor them
– Niraj Sandhiv
MGM Primary School students show their artwork during the celebrated International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) celebrations yesterday.