XN000022-1995-03-06 — Page 15

On Preventive Education

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We will be setting up a new Drug Education Resource Centre in 1996 to support the implementation of drug education programmes in schools.

We will hold two drug education courses this year to train 120 secondary school teachers; and similar courses for 120 primary teachers.

We will be producing a special video targeted at parents, on the handling of drug problems among their children. This will be distributed to schools and youth organisations and PTA and so on.

We will be developing a new General Studies Syllabus for primary schools to enhance pupils' self-esteem and to help them decide to lead a drug- free life.

We will be carrying out a major anti-drug publicity campaign throughout the year, including an anti-drug event in every district, a special TV programme, radio shows in public housing estates, and an International Anti- Drug Day exhibition in June.

On Treatment and Rehabilitation

But in announcing this I do want to make clear that we do understand a need to tackle the problem in getting some of these facilities going because of community concerns. We will be aiming to set up two additional residential treatment centres for young opiate abusers and a new counselling centre for young abusers.

The Hospital Authority will establish six drug abuse clinics which will treat about 300 patients a year.

Social Welfare Department will set up in October 1995 a team of specially trained social workers to help about 500 drug abusers a year.