Anse Royale secondary students learn more on the dangers of substance abuse |17 July 2015
Students from Anse Royale secondary school have learned more on the effects drugs and alcohol have on a person’s health, body, and how these affect behaviour, social and working life as well as interpersonal relationships.
This was during a series of presentations organised by the Faith-Based Commission of the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (Ceps) which had partnered with different stakeholders namely the Drug and Alcohol Council (Dac), Wellness Centre and the Seychelles Interfaith Council (Sifco) to carry out this activity.
During the outreach session held earlier this week the students listened to a presentation on drugs and alcohol by consultant Benjamin Vel from Dac as well as one from Ceps’ Faith-Based commissioner Christiane Vidot.
Mrs Vidot said they will work closely with the secondary students to educate them on the importance of making the right decision.
The head teacher of Anse Royale secondary school, Cecile Marcel, also addressed the students and took the opportunity to stress on the importance for students to be well aware of the dangerous effects of substance abuse and why it is important for them to be able to stay away and not be tempted to try drugs or alcohol.
Ms Marcel said to conquer those bad habits the youths need as much help as they can get.
“Drugs and alcohol are affecting the community, many schools around Mahé are also being affected by it. This session will strengthen our resolve to defeat the threats of drugs and alcohol. Let’s be strong and say no to drugs,” Miss Marcel told the students.
A former patient (name withheld) who has been following drug rehabilitation treatment programme at the Wellness Centre for the past 10 months made a tearful testimony which captivated the students’ attention.
He said life on drugs is very hard to handle, people start to reject you, even your family.
“I have been free of drugs for at least ten months now. I am standing before you today because I don’t want you the youths to become affected by drugs. Life on drugs is very hard. I started to steal from my family, I even lost my children because of my addiction to drugs,” he added.
Following the presentations the audience were able to ask questions and seek clarifications.
The outreach session, which is also targeting vulnerable secondary students who may have some difficulties to adapt in school, will in due course also have a spiritual aspect.
The programme, a series of which is being organised, will provide a much deeper understanding about life, about how drugs and alcohol can destroy families.
Throughout the year the Ceps Faith-Based Commission will bring the outreach sessions to all secondary schools around Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
The first outreach programme took place at the Plaisance secondary school not long ago.