Antidrug campaign 'should be fun'

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

In the case of campaigning against drug abuse, of course, that does not mean following suit and using drugs.

Australian non-governmental organization (NGO) Community Solutions Inc., who specialize in community based projects including drug prevention, takes a unique approach in making sure that youth parties and get-togethers do not involve drugs and alcohol.

Speaking at the Asia Pacific Global Youth Network workshop, the Queensland-based NGO's representative Shayne Will explained that holding alcohol and drug free events for youth "allowed drug and health services to connect with young people in a positive setting."

Community Solutions also try to adapt their services to local youth cultural traditions, such as holding end-of-school parties -- that could potentially involve drinking, drug use and high risk behavior -- by providing drug free entertainment, transport, security and support services. "We also work closely with the police, who could indeed play a positive role," she said.

These kinds of approaches had become models for successful community drug prevention, she claimed, and were used in other parts of Australia.

Indonesian anti-drug NGO Yayasan Cinta Anak Bangsa (YCAB) chief executive officer Veronica Colondam expressed similar opinions, that campaigns to prevent drug abuse should be made fun. "We have to keep them (youth) interested long enough to listen to what we have to say," said Veronica.

YCAB itself has been campaigning against drug abuse through events involving live music and celebrities famous among teenagers. "We are using music and edutainment concepts for drug prevention," she added.

However, communicating the message to youth alone is not enough. Most of the participating NGOs also conducted parent training to ensure good relationships between parents and their teenagers.

Yangon-based Substance Abuse Research Association (SARA) included parenting skills classes in its drug abuse prevention programs and emphasized family approaches to prevent relapses.

"The inclusion of youth during parenting skills teaching is used in the program," SARA representative Nyein Zaw Htet Doe said in his presentation.

Meanwhile, the Philippines' Addictus Organization involves small communities advocating culturally-sensitive approaches. "We set up an activity center opened to everyone in the community who wishes to participate in our work," Addictus youth organizer Anna Galang said.

Anna added that the community activity center provides facilities from books to sports equipment. "We also try to make the center a home for drop-outs."

In general, whatever the approach taken, all organizations see the importance of working together with all stakeholders, including business establishments that can act as activity sponsors. (003)