Care Club youngsters gather to enjoy their day |14 October 2008

The event is held every year by the Campaign for Awareness, Resilience and Education against substance abuse (Care) during the third school term.

The aim is to bring all Care Clubs together to take part in a fun day and to renew the youngsters’ involvement as members.
The children were asked to reflect on what has been accomplished and what they are promoting in their campaign against substance abuse.

Care Clubs in all schools on Mahe, Praslin, La Digue and Silhouette took part in the fun day held under the theme Promoting Positive Values Among Young People.

The activities included traditional outdoor games and sports, and in Care House the children had a variety of workshops to take part in such as dance, storytelling, poster making, recycling, tie and dye and face-painting.

Some children enjoy traditional outdoor activities

Marie-Annette Ernesta, the assistant director for programme and research, said the skills the children gain through the workshops will be used when they have their own club activities in their schools.

Also present at the launch of activities were Care chairperson Sarah Rene, director Noella Gonthier, director general for schools Merida Delcy and extra-curricular activities coordinators from schools.

Reflections, prayers and songs were among several presentations given by schools, followed by the anti-drugs pledge by all members.

“It is important for you to double your efforts towards your clubs to help in this campaign against drugs and alcohol abuse in the school, home and community,” said Mrs Delcy in her speech to launch the event.

She said the young people should take their responsibility seriously and not devote themselves to these substances as the future depends on them.

To the parents, she said children need our support, guidance and good example.
“We should keep encouraging and supervising our children so they will not be victims of substance abuse,” she added.
Mrs Delcy also thanked Care for its contribution in schools, districts and society as a whole.