JPC steps up anti-drug publicity
as summer vacation approaches
With the summer vacation around the corner, Junior Police Call (JPC) members made an all-out effort on July 9 to drive home anti-drug messages to youngsters by participating in a variety of activities on the sixth "JPC Anti-drug Day".
Supported by the Beat Drugs Fund, the "JPC Anti-drug Day" campaign was launched in December 2008. With the joint efforts of Police Districts and JPC members, six JPC Anti-drug Days have been held to promote anti-drug education and publicity among youngsters and to raise public awareness of the problems of youth drug abuse.
Sham Shui Po District Ceremony
At a ceremony in Sham Shui Po, 20 JPC members made a pledge before Sham Shui Po District Commander Lui Hon-kwok and JPC Honorary President Council Chairman, Mr Kong Pui-wai, to set an example for others to stay away from drugs and to work with the police to deal with this problem.
The day also saw staging of an anti-drug creativity contest, with the Holy Trinity College and Chan's Creative School clinching the titles for secondary and primary schools respectively, as well as presentation of commendation letters to JPC members, schools and police volunteers for their contributions to fighting drugs.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Mr Lui described dissemination of anti-drug messages to every sector of the community as a "protracted battle", which requires the full support of the community.
Yau Tsim
District Campaign
In Yau Tsim District, more than 500 youngsters made a similar pledge at the start of a "Say No to Drugs" publicity campaign, before District Commander Lau Yip-shing.
To drive home this message, the District has produced copies of a card, which carries the pledge and hotline numbers for seeking assistance related to drugs.
The event was launched as part of the YTDIST Youth Concern Strategy with the objective of fighting drug abuse amongst young people. It is a two-year project consisting of six phases, launched in November 2008. The projects focus on education, publicity, enforcement and rehabilitation during long school holidays. During various phases, YTDIST had organised different activities for youth, including variety shows and anti-drugs drama competitions.
Border District Initiatives
Border District rolled out the "Border District Anti-drug Initiatives" at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point in conjunction with the Action Committee Against Narcotics, District Fight Crime Committees and schools. At a launching ceremony, officiating guests punctured balloons to signify determination to fight drugs.
Border District Deputy Commander Chiu Ming-wah pointed out that to tackle cross-border drug problems during the summer vacation, the police would deploy more officers at control points and work closely with Customs and Excise and Immigration departments. The District had also secured the assistance of a non-government organisation in setting counselling service counters for young people at Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau Control Points.
Wong Tai Sin
Carnival
Wong Tai Sin District and Wong Tai Sin District Fight Crime Committee jointly held a "Wong Tai Sin No Drugs Campaign for Smart Teens" variety show on July 10, with sponsorship of Wong Tai Sin JPC Honorary President Council, Wong Tai Sin District Council and Hong Kong Wong Tai Sin Industry and Commerce Association. The event aimed to encourage youngsters to cultivate healthy lifestyles, stay away from drugs, and build up confidence and self-esteem.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the variety show, Wong Tai Sin District Commander David Gunton said that in the summer vacation teenagers are vulnerable to drug abuse. Therefore Wong Tai Sin District is using various channels, such as community participation, education and wholesome activities, to drive home anti-drug messages. "Our efforts have brought encouraging results," he noted.
In addition to game stalls set up by secondary schools, there was also an exhibition of the winning entries to anti-drug contests. One of the highlights of the variety show was an interactive question-and-answer session on drugs, which drew the participation of many spectators.
Yau
Tsim
JPC
members showcase their "Say No to Drugs" card
Anti-drug
carnival
in
Wong Tai Sin