2 April 1998 Edition
Praise for drug awareness project
By Ned Kelly
Speaking at last Thursday's launch of a new Community Drugs Training Course at the Falls Community Council (FCC), Gerry Adams said, ``education is the key to dealing effectively with substance abuse. Creative and innovative approaches need to be developed if education is to have any impact.'' He called for a multi-agency approach and a mature debate about ``a realistic, meaningful and empowering way to allow young people to make informed decisions about their lives.''
Adams went on to praise that ``imaginative and innovative planning'' as shown by the FCC and Open College Network. The new course compiled by Drug Awareness for Youth (DAFY) aims to provide young people, parents, youth/community workers, peer educators, and schools with the opportunity to look at all drug-related issues. It aims to empower communities to tackle local drug problems by providing education about drug use, the design and delivery of awareness programmes and practical skills that are needed.
Adams called for more funding to underpin any anti-drug strategy with ``a real and democratic partnership between communities, voluntary groups, political representatives, government departments and statutory authorities. This must be community based and community led.''
For further information on DAFY courses contact Martina McCafferty or Gerry McConville on (01232) 202030.
Speaking at last Thursday's launch of a new Community Drugs Training Course at the Falls Community Council (FCC), Gerry Adams said, ``education is the key to dealing effectively with substance abuse. Creative and innovative approaches need to be developed if education is to have any impact.'' He called for a multi-agency approach and a mature debate about ``a realistic, meaningful and empowering way to allow young people to make informed decisions about their lives.''
Adams went on to praise that ``imaginative and innovative planning'' as shown by the FCC and Open College Network. The new course compiled by Drug Awareness for Youth (DAFY) aims to provide young people, parents, youth/community workers, peer educators, and schools with the opportunity to look at all drug-related issues. It aims to empower communities to tackle local drug problems by providing education about drug use, the design and delivery of awareness programmes and practical skills that are needed.
Adams called for more funding to underpin any anti-drug strategy with ``a real and democratic partnership between communities, voluntary groups, political representatives, government departments and statutory authorities. This must be community based and community led.''
For further information on DAFY courses contact Martina McCafferty or Gerry McConville on (01232) 202030.