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A year-long "Tsuen Wan District Three-pronged Anti Youth Drug Abuse Campaign" under the Community Programme against Youth Drug Abuse was kicked off today (August 25) to help youngsters resist drugs through a variety of activities and services.
The campaign is co-organised by Tsuen Wan District Office, Social Welfare Department, Education Bureau, Hong Kong Police Force, Tsuen Wan District Council and Tsuen Wan District Fight Crime Committee, with Yan Chai Hospital, Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital, Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong as supporting partners.
The Co-chairmen of Tsuen Wan District Anti-drug Steering Committee, Mr Chau How-chen and Mr Chan Iu-seng, and District Officer (Tsuen Wan), Mr Cheung Doi-ching, officiated at the opening ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chau How-chen said, "The 'Tsuen Wan District Three-pronged Anti Youth Drug Abuse Campaign' is an inter-departmental and cross-sector programme. It aims to help youngsters beat drugs through three measures, which are preventive education, community outreach and in-depth counselling services."
On preventive education, the medical staff of Yan Chai Hospital and Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital will organise 15 seminars for teachers of primary and secondary schools to broaden their anti-drug knowledge and enhance their ability to handle high-risk youngsters or young drug abusers.
On community outreach services, Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups and Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong will both strengthen their outreach programme to reach high-risk youngsters or young drug abusers and help them establish healthy and positive values of life through participating in various activities, including adventure training, dancing and magic, to stay away from drugs.
Besides, the two organisations will provide in-depth counselling, including anti-drug camp, sharing session, fitness test, Chinese medical treatment and medical examinations, to youngsters in need.
Mr Chau added, "The campaign will also help youngsters fight against drugs through a school-based anti youth drug programme and a mentorship programme. Under the programmes, secondary school students in the district will be appointed to disseminate the anti-drug messages in campuses where students of tertiary institutions and professionals will be recruited as mentors to counsel and give support to the youth at risk, and help them go back on the right track with positive peer influence."
Mr Chan Iu-seng said, "Building from a series of anti youth drug activities started a year ago, we have established a seamless social network with support from different walks of life in the district. We are confident that through various anti youth drug events, coupled with publicity and education carried out by Tsuen Wan District Fight Crime Committee, we will be able to combat the youth drug problem effectively."
The District Officer (Tsuen Wan), Mr Cheung Doi-ching said, "With concerted efforts from community groups and residents, I believe that we can sustain an in-depth anti-drug programme in Tsuen Wan district and work towards a drug-free community."
At the ceremony, an anti-drug drama, youth dance performance and information session on the various types of drugs were staged to appeal for joined efforts to help beat drugs from all walks of life in the district.
Ends/Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:11
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