Making tough choices

THE revelation that the Ministry of Education is working with the police to foster a positive school environment that protects children from drugs is very important.

It should sit well with any campaign to fight illicit drugs.

It touches the very heart of the drug war, because this is where attention should be focused on. Our young, vulnerable and inquisitive, are a lucrative base for those engaging in this illegal trade.

It makes sense then that we pour resources and attention on this vital element.

Our young minds must be informed about the dangers of drugs. They must be informed about decisions they can make, and the choices they should be looking at.

Then there is the bit about empowering them to make well informed decisions daily.

So it is encouraging to note the work going on in collaboration with the Substance Abuse Advisory Council (SAAC), to foster a positive school environment.

We learn from the council that there were 32 drugs associated cases recorded in schools in the first five months of last year.

Two were meth-related.

There is growing concern in the wake of the increase in the number of drug raids by police over the past months.

So it is also encouraging to note permanent secretary for Education Selina Kuruleca saying they would continue to provide appropriate training and awareness to staff and students.

The ministry, she said, would continue to play a protective role to prevent students from engaging in the illicit drug trade in schools.

“The FPF is represented on the SAAC council where they share the latest information as well as information that can be used to develop awareness campaigns targeting our children,” she said.

It is good to also note the ministry also provided counselling support services for children and their families.

That's the way to go.

It would, however, be better for us to be part of the war against drugs and play the ‘prevention is better than cure’ mode.

That's where this issue of parenting and being available for children comes in, as raised again by Ms Kuruleca.

As the good PS said, this is when we should be aware of what our children are doing, and where they are.

This is when we should be ensuring they are at school and are staying there.

The ministry, she said, would continue to engage with schools to offer drug education programs to teach students about the dangers and harms of drug abuse.

“We have the child protection policy and commemorate International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDDAIT) week,” she noted.

However, instead of waiting for the celebration, teachers should work with their classes, and inculcate the importance of staying focused and getting priorities right.

This war is not for the faint of heart.

It needs our support and must be something we engage in for the sake of our loved ones, our children, and our nation.

The police cannot do this alone. They need our support. We are stakeholders!

■ FRED WESLEY