Pubdate: Sun, 23 Jun 2013
Source: Fiji Times (Fiji)
Copyright: 2013 Fiji Times Limited
Contact:  http://www.fijitimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3445
Author: Torika Tokalau

DRUG TREND IN SCHOOLS

THERE is a worrying trend of a large number of drugs and substance
abuse in schools, the latest statistics released by the Ministry of
Education reveals.

The statistics, although taken from 2011, are the most recent.

According to the Schools Information Management System (SIMS), there
were a total of 1712 offences recorded from all nine educational
districts. Of these offences, there were 54 marijuana cases, 369 kava
consumption cases and 268 alcohol consumption cases. There were also
522 smoking cases, 212 inhalant cases, 215 sexual cases and 72
pregnancy cases.

And it is because of these high numbers that National Substance Abuse
Advisory Committee (NSAAC) director Misaele Driubalavu says schools
need to introduce classes into their curriculum that raises more
awareness on drugs and substance abuse.

"There is more that needs to be done and will take the collaborative
effort of everyone," Mr Driubalavu said. "The biggest challenge now is
in the secondary schools division and in particular the schools in the
Suva and Nausori education districts."

Of the 721 primary schools that sent their 2011 SIMS, 655 did not
record any offence. Out of the 172 secondary schools which sent their
SIMS, 69 did not record any offence. "That is a 91 per cent and 40 per
cent achievement respectively, which shows the work that we and other
stakeholders have been doing is becoming fruitful."

For this year's World Drugs Day, to be held on June 26, the ministry
and NSAAC have organised a week-long awareness program at selected
schools.

The theme for this year's World Drugs Day is Keep Me Safe From Abuse
to Shine = THE BEST.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt