THE Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, kicked off the inaugural National Tobacco and Alcohol Debating Competition on Friday, in the Health Ministry’s Boardroom, Brickdam, Georgetown.
Under the theme ‘Think Health not Drugs’, it will involve 16 secondary schools in Regions Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands), Six (East Berbice/Corentyne) and Ten (Upper Demerara/Berbice) and begins next month.
The objective of the contest is to provide health information relevant to the theme and encourage the young participants to engage in the innovative and educational exercise.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mr. Hydar Ally, addressing those gathered, lauded the Ministry of Education for its support of the initiative and the introduction of a smoke free zone at Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and University of Guyana Tain and Turkeyen campuses.
He paid special tribute to teachers and the important role they play in educating young persons in society, especially regarding the negative impacts of alcohol and tobacco use.
Highlighting the many adverse effects of alcohol and tobacco use on society, Ally said: “If you look at the state of the country, you will find so many lives lost and so many families ruined because of the abuse of these substances. The social consequences are very significant.”
He said, in light of the fact that the consumption of those substances is high, he is happy to be a part of the inter-agency approach to tackle the problem.
Ally also said the idea behind the rivalry is not about winning or losing but gathering the facts and presenting them in order to raise the consciousness of young people.
“The message, regardless of the social or educational status is let us avoid the use of tobacco and alcohol,” he emphasised.
Coordinator of Health Promotion in the Ministry of Education, Ms. Dionne Browne emphasised the role of that Ministry and the schools in helping to raise awareness about the effects of alcohol and tobacco.
“Children spend most of their time in schools and we need to play an opportune role to encourage healthy lifestyles,” she said.
Browne drew attention to the fact that the two Ministries have also collaborated on another project, the Drug Decrease/ Reduction Education Programme, which seeks to provide information about harmful substances.
She underscored the importance of staying focused on maintaining a child friendly environment in keeping with the theme of Education Month.
“You need to stay away from things that will, negatively, impact this process,” Browne urged.
Edutainment Officer in the Health Ministry, Ms. Cardella Yussuf said the 16 participating schools were chosen at random from the different Regions.
The competition, which will run for eight weeks, culminates with an award ceremony in November, when prizes, including money, gift vouchers and trophies, will be distributed.