Region

Gomel receives over 540 drug boxes for drug awareness programmes among teenagers

GOMEL, 21 July (BelTA) – The Gomel oblast has received more than 540 drug boxes for drug awareness programmes among teenagers, BelTA learnt form Alexander Vasiltsov, a deputy chairman of the commission for juvenile delinquency of the Gomel oblast executive committee. A drug box includes 10 printed information materials provided by the Swedish National Association for a Drug-free Society (RNS) and with financial support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). According to Alexander Vasiltsov, the printed information material on drugs and alcohol aim to contribute to increased awareness of the risks and effects of drug use. Dissemination is carried out through a series of educational seminars targeting relevant authorities such as school teachers, social workers, youth leaders and others involved in drug prevention activities. According to Alexander Vasiltsov, there is a need to take into consideration the Swedish experience in counteracting drug abuse both inside and outside the country. RNS has been operating in the country for more than 30 years. The level of drug addiction among young people in Sweden is one of the lowest in the world. “We should reach the same result. Our goal is to develop the right understanding about the drugs problem among the youth,” the expert said. Gomel specialists and the Swedish RNS have been cooperating for two years. In 2008 Gomel schools and other educational establishments of the region hosted a Swedish photo-exhibition on drug abuse which was visited by more than 10,000 local students. According to Alexander Vasiltsov, a special joint awareness programme among teenagers of the Gomel oblast will be adopted at the level of the Swedish Government in August this year. The programme is expected to include training workshops for specialists involved in the work with children. According to the official data, for the past four years no increase has been registered in drug use among teenagers in the Gomel oblast.

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