Antidrug campaign 'should be fun'

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)