Drug prevention strategies often do not receive the attention they deserve, Hamilton Lions members heard yesterday.

Jeanette Musson, a Government education officer and supervisor of the Lion-Quest Life Skills Programme, took that message to Lions members during their weekly luncheon meeting.

Mrs. Musson said the drug prevention programme, which is being implemented in all public schools and several private schools, had been implemented at a primary school level for more than six years. Middle and senior schools have been involved in the scheme since 1997.

The programme is divided into three modules targeted at specific age groups and developmental levels. Primary school children participate in the Skills for Growing programme, Skills for Adolescence is delivered to middle school students and the newest module, Skills for Action, is designed for students aged 14 to 18.

Mrs. Musson said the programme's main aim was to help young people develop self-confidence, strong interpersonal and decision making skills, a sense of responsibility and a commitment to a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.

"This programme offers no quick fix for the problems we face in our community with drug use and alcohol abuse,'' Mrs. Musson warned. "It will require a long term commitment from this community as a whole -- and not just schools -- if we are to succeed.'' She went on to discuss the five critical components of the scheme which include training, curriculum delivery, school climate, parental involvement and community involvement.

Mrs. Musson lamented the fact that prevention strategies such as the Lions-Quest Life Skills scheme often receive less community support, fewer resources and less media attention than treatment programmes because results of such strategies are often hard to gauge.

"Despite this we must soldier on and be encouraged by the small successes we have and by all positive changes we observe in children's lives,'' she said.

She added that the numerous other prevention partnerships such as PRIDE, the Police REACH programme and Youthnet all complement each other and reinforce the message being sent to young people to lead meaningful, productive and drug free lives.

Jeanette Musson: Long term Graphic file name: JEMUSS EDUCATION ED DRUGS DGS