NCCE TEMPANE EDUCATES STUDENTS OF TEMPANE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE

The Tempane District Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, organised an educational programme on substance abuse for students of Tempane Senior High School at the school's Assembly Hall.

During the programme, Miss Hawa Fuseini, the NCCE's Civic Education Officer (CEO), engaged the students in an interactive educational session using flashcards. Through this activity, the students were encouraged to identify and discuss the benefits of staying away from substance abuse and to make informed decisions about their health and future.

The students were educated on the harmful effects of substance abuse, including poor academic performance, serious health complications, the risk of dropping out of school, and the possibility of having their dreams and aspirations cut short. They were also cautioned that substance abuse could lead to deviant behaviour, strained relationships with family and friends, and an unfulfilled life.

At the end of the session, the students pledged to abstain from substance abuse. They also promised to report cases of substance abuse appropriately and show kindness and support to individuals already struggling with substance use rather than stigmatising or despising them.

The District Director of Social Welfare and Community Development, Mr Abdallah Abdul-Rahaman, who was present at the programme, admonished the students to stay away from substance abuse and alcohol and to take their studies seriously.

He advised the students to use the appropriate channels to address grievances and concerns involving school authorities instead of resorting to drugs and alcohol as a way of coping with frustration. He further cautioned that substance abuse could contribute to unruly behaviour, potentially leading to demonstrations, destruction of school property, dismissal from school, and disruption of teaching and learning.

Mr Abdul-Rahaman emphasised that education is a key to success and urged the students to avoid all forms of deviant behaviour. He reminded them that their parents and guardians make significant sacrifices to provide for their education and encouraged them not to disappoint those who work hard to secure a better future for them.

In her concluding remarks, Miss Hawa Fuseini reaffirmed the NCCE's commitment to intensifying public education on substance abuse across schools and communities in the Tempane District. She explained that these educational engagements are part of the Commission's efforts to raise awareness, promote responsible decision-making, and help curb substance abuse among young people.

The programme ended with a renewed commitment by the students to make responsible choices, concentrate on their education, and contribute to building a healthy, disciplined, and responsible society.