in the United States after Gilbert Botvin, director of Cornell University's Institute for Prevention Research, developed a prevention concept that was based on behavioural data on children and teens. Instead of following the well-publicised `just say no' scheme already promoted across the country, Mr.

Botvin argued that the idea was to present drug resistance in a larger context that includes social skills. His `fun' approach has students involved in role-playing, skits and problem-solving exercises similar to those faced by young people in real life. The effectiveness of the programme has now been realised to the point where Time magazine described it as having been proved more successful than other, far more costlier programmes. Co-ordinator of the local programme is Janette Musson, an education officer within the Department.

It is now her fourth year seeing it implemented into Bermuda's schools. To best achieve that, as many as possible of the Island's primary school teachers, counsellors, principals and even Lions and other community people, such as the Department of Youth and Sport's after school programmes, have now been trained. PHOTO Janette Musson (third from left), pictured with participants in a `Skills for Action' workshop, held earlier this year. The programme is designed to deter students from abusing drugs and alcohol DRUGS SUPPLEMENT DGS