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The following is issued on behalf of the Secretariat of the Beat Drugs Fund Association:
The Beat Drugs Fund Association invites applications for a research project to evaluate the Trial Scheme on School Drug Testing in Tai Po District (School Year 2009-10). Organisations and individuals are welcome to submit proposals from today (November 10) until 5pm on November 30.
The Government is committed to tackling the drug abuse problem among youth. The purposes of the scheme are:
(1) For prevention. It will enhance the resolve of students who have not taken any drugs to continue to stay away from drugs. They will be in a better position to say "no" to their peers when they are tempted to try drugs and this will help prevent the spread of drugs in schools; and
(2) For rendering assistance to students. The scheme will trigger the motivation of students who are abusing drugs to quit drugs and seek help, especially those who are trying drugs at an early stage. The scheme will also provide appropriate support services to students who wish to pull themselves out of the drug trap.
Researchers will be required to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the scheme focusing on both the process and the outcome; to review other local and overseas experiences of drug testing in schools; and based on the findings, to suggest refinements and revisions of the scheme and map out a practicable course of action for gradually rolling out drug testing to all public sector schools in the territory. In addition, the researchers will be required to identify and suggest ways to address pertinent issues involved in school drug testing; widely consult stakeholders from relevant sectors; and make presentations and provide explanations during the whole course of the research.
Detailed information including the study requirements and time-frame are set out in the research brief, which is available on the website of the Narcotics Division, Security Bureau (www.nd.gov.hk/en/beat.htm). It can also be collected in person at the Secretariat of the Beat Drugs Fund Association (30/F, High Block) and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre (Roof Floor, Low Block) at Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway.
To facilitate applicants' understanding of the research, a briefing session will be held on November 17 (Tuesday) at 4pm at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre at Roof Floor, Low Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway.
Enquiries are welcome by phone at 2867 5154 (on research matters) and 2867 2286 (on BDF arrangement); by fax at 2810 1790; or via email to (sbeon4@sb.gov.hk).
The Beat Drugs Fund was set up by the Government in 1996 with a capital base of $350 million to fund worthwhile projects that can contribute to the fight against drug abuse in Hong Kong.
Ends/Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:16
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