ENG-2002 — Page 414

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Apart from programmes targeting students, drug talks were also arranged for teaching staff of schools. In April, 18 000 drug education kits were produced by the Narcotics Division for distribution to all secondary school teachers to provide them with ready materials for conducting drug education lessons for students.

During the year, a series of drug education programmes was organised for youth groups at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Drug InfoCentre (DIC). Drug talks and visits to drug treatment centres were arranged for the young participants who would help to promote the anti-drug message to their peers after completion of the course. The 'train-the-trainer' programme has been extended to reach more youth groups and non-governmental agencies.

The construction of the purpose-built premises for the exhibition centre under the DIC Phase II was completed in July. Design and installation of exhibits and displays for this permanent exhibition venue dedicated to drug education in Hong Kong was under way. It was planned that the exhibition centre would come into operation at the end of 2003.

During the year, strong emphasis was placed on the harm that psychotropic substance abuse can cause among young people. Anti-drug messages were disseminated through the electronic media, which included the production of a series of new Announcements in the Public Interest (API), a special one-hour anti-drug television programme, a radio series and an anti-drug Christmas carnival. The new APIs were also broadcast on the M-channel, a video channel whose service was installed in buses of a major public bus company and in shops of a fast food chain. A poster to tie-in with the theme of the APIs was produced and displayed at various venues. A Harm Reduction Campaign was jointly organised by the Department of Health and the Narcotics Division to promote the methadone treatment programme as a way of reducing harm and to advise against needle-sharing by drug abusers.

To demonstrate a united front in tackling drug problems and in support of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, a delegation comprising representatives from various departments joined Mainland and Macau officials in attending a drug incineration rally held in Shenzhen in June. Separately, a 'Say No to Drugs' pledge ceremony was held in Hong Kong, with anti- drug officials from Guangdong and Macau attending as officiating guests.

To encourage district organisations and community groups to organise anti-drug functions, sponsorship continued to be provided through the Community Against Drugs Scheme. The provisions for the year were increased by $100,000 to $600,000 for supporting 20 projects conducted by District Fight Crime Committees, schools and voluntary organisations. Apart from funding support, the Narcotics Division continued to participate in or co-organise preventive education and publicity projects launched by community groups.

The Anti-drug Volunteer Group, following expansion of the scheme, had 162 individual and 83 corporate volunteers. Individual volunteers participated in 17 anti- drug community involvement and publicity activities, such as district carnivals, exhibitions, health-oriented projects and seminars. The Volunteer Group held its first Annual General Meeting in November. The Anti-drug Abuse Hotline (2366 8822), which provides useful information on drug-related matters, received 26 843 calls during the year. It was planned to revamp the hotline in 2003, with a view to extending the contents covered.