By Theckla Gunga – EMTV News, Port Moresby
A drug prevention program targeting primary and secondary students was rolled out in the National Capital District (NCD) to highlight dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. The program is headed by the National Narcotic Bureau in partnership with the Australian Government.
Known as the NCD Drug Prevention Program, it is targeting students as young as 12 years old. Over 20 Primary and Secondary schools in the three districts in NCD have welcomed the initiative and will be participating in the awareness program.
Last month, close to 100 students in Port Moresby were apprehended by police in what they claim was a peace ceremony. But after police searches, the students had knives and other sharp weapons in their possession. It was later identified that drugs and alcohol abuses were a contributing factor to what the students had claimed was a peace ceremony.
This awareness which will be conducted in schools will involve talks on living a positive life and the dangers associated with drugs and alcohol abuses. Though it is just the beginning, National Narcotics Bureau has plans to expand the program when resources are made available. But for now, NNB has received financial assistance from the Australian Government through the Joint Law and Justice Partnership program.
