Strong foundations to resist drug abuse are being formed in after-school programmes, according to the Coalition for Alcohol and Drug Awareness (CADA).

CADA launched a new initiative, teaming up with Government after-school services, to promote drug and alcohol awareness amongst primary school youngsters aged eleven.

And today the children will show off just what they have learnt at a grand performance at City Hall.

In a series of skits, drills, activities and workshops -- CADA hopes to get the information to young people at just the right age.

Currently, the programme is being taught at three schools -- but it is hoped it can be introduced at another three schools.

Already, students at Paget Primary, Francis Patton and West Pembroke Primary School are taking part.

Each week the students looked at a particular drug -- such as crack, marijuana or alcohol.

CADA executive director Cathy Belvedere called the programme, a "win-win situation''.

Experts say teaching drug awareness at too young an age does not make an impact because the children just go through the activities but don't actually learn.

CADA case worker and counsellor Gina Spence said the age group has to be right, otherwise material does not "stick''.

"This really is the critical age (eleven). At this stage, they start to question authority and put in the pieces to support other foundations,'' she said.

Mrs. Belvedere said: "We're excited about this.'' The partnership has been working for 14 weeks and culminates in an production at City Hall today -- where the children will show what they have learnt in a `skit-format'.

The partnership was formed when Government after-school programme director Keith Smith and Mrs. Belvedere attended a conference designed to bring groups that could benefit each other together.

Mrs. Belvedere said: "Then we met and talked about some of the things that had been done.

"Mr. Smith called for performing arts programmes and pieces (in the after-school programme).

"We are probably one of the first coalitions formed.

"We go into the situation with a group of kids and they present it at assembly for the entire school.

"It's the real first opportunity to deliver the whole piece and kids are involved in,'' said Mrs. Belvedere.

Mr. Smith likes to distinguish the Government after-school programme from a baby-sitting service -- thus the partnership met both their organisational goals.

He said: "We and CADA have the same goals. Also we don't want this to be only a service for parents dropping off kids.

"We get an opportunity to share with young people and expect them to use the lessons time and time again.'' He added that ultimately children with a natural talent for performing may make useful contacts that could further their experiences.

"They get a good foundation to more forward.'' Programme coordinators hope to continue expanding to other schools but their immediate attention directed towards the free after-school programme performance at City Hall today at 4.30 p.m.

Interested parties can contact Gina Spence at CADA -- 295-5982.