Last year, over 3,000 students were referred from schools to the National Substance Abuse Advisory Council, reported Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro. This situation led the ministry to consider using drug testing kits in schools, in collaboration with other ministries and departments.
Mr. Radrodro explained that there is an in-house policy addressing students found with drugs, and those who violate this policy are sent to the substance abuse center. “In the last calendar year, over 3,000 students were taken to the substance abuse center,” he stated.
He added that the existing policy is already being implemented in schools, and students are referred to the substance abuse center as needed. “We hope the number of students abusing drugs will decrease now that we have this policy,” Mr. Radrodro said.
The ministry is also exploring the use of drug testing kits in schools, in collaboration with other ministries and departments. “That is an option for the future. We need to improve the minimization of drug problems in schools,” he noted.
As the second term school holiday approaches, Mr. Radrodro urged students, teachers, stakeholders, and parents to be responsible and keep students away from drugs. “I would like to advise school students to stay away from drugs. You have a very long and bright future if you continue to stay away from drugs.”
He reminded schools, teachers, stakeholders, and parents of their critical role in ensuring that drugs are kept out of the school system.