XN000022-1996-03-11 — Page 2

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Study to tackle drug and suicide problems among youths

The Department of Psychology of the University of Hong Kong has been commissioned to conduct a $1 million study project on the use of peer support and life skill counsellors in schools to help tackle the drug problem and adolescent suicides.

Commissioned by the Education Department, the study is one of the initiatives taken by the department to echo the call for follow-up actions at the Drug Summit chaired by the Governor, the Rt Hon Christopher Patten, in March last year.

The aim of the study is to find ways to promote teenagers' awareness of building up their confidence and techniques in handling difficulties in life.

Principals, teachers and students of Primary Four to Primary Six and Secondary One to Secondary Seven in local schools will fall within the scope of the study target.

The study will explore, among other things, the possibilities and effective use of peer support and life skill counsellors to prevent the drug problem and adolescent suicides in local primary and secondary schools.

Another objective is to develop a peer support life skill training programme for implementation in local primary and secondary schools.

The study is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

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Building Department's statement on Fortuna Hotel case

The Director of Buildings, Dr Choi Yu-leuk, today (Monday) commented in response to press enquiries that his department had recommended that legal actions be taken against the persons involved in the trial of the Fortuna Hotel case despite the decision by the Legal Department of dropping the charges against the four remaining defendants this morning.

"We have submitted a full investigation report together with the related information to the Legal Department for its consideration.