Lions Quest, one of the five agencies of the Council Partners, was first introduced to Bermuda in 1984. Hamilton Lions member Mr. Joe Ferreira saw the introduction of a programme, which would give students the life skills to make the right decisions, at the Lions international convention. At the time, Lions International had developed an alliance with Quest International, an Ohio-based youth development organisation, to introduce a life skills programme as part of the curriculum in schools. And in 1986, a workshop was held locally to introduce teachers, guidance counsellors and principals to the programme, according to chairman of the Life Skills Group Mr. David Cardell.

Two high schools proceeded with the programme, but otherwise, local schools showed little support, he said. In 1990, however, the Ministry of Education adopted the scheme on the advice of drug consultant Dr. David Archibald, who mandated it as part of his Proposal for a National Drug Strategy. The Ministry held training workshops in an effort to instruct school faculty members. And approximately half of primary seven class teachers in Bermuda were trained by the end of 1990. In 1991, the rest of the primary seven public school staff were trained in the Life Skills programme, which addresses the primary causes of adolescent conflict. Consistent with the focus of Lions International's worldwide commitment to drug abuse prevention, Lions Quest takes a steady and positive approach to adolescent development and drug awareness. The programme is aimed at developing self-awareness and self-confidence while teaching young people how to set goals and make responsible decisions. Through the programme, students gain a sense of self-worth and positive direction as they learn specific skills in areas like understanding adolescent changes, making and keeping new friends, learning to manage feelings, strengthening family communication, resisting peer pressure and developing a substance-free lifestyle. The success of the Life Skills for Adolescence programme prompted the Ministry of Education to create a post for a life skills/career officer.

And it was decided that the Skills for Growing programme would be implemented in the lower primary classes. Training started in 1992 with primary one and two teachers, said Mr. Cardell, noting that last year the programme was implemented in primary three and four classes. It is being established in Primary five and six classrooms this fall, he said. Life Skills for Growing is a comprehensive programme that joins together the family, school and community to teach children the fundamental skills they need to successfully meet the challenges of growing up. "The programme is being integrated in a variety of subjects so it has become a big part of the school agenda,'' said Mr. Cardell, noting that both programmes are part of Lions International's long range commitment to creating drug-free communities and the belief that prevention through education is the most effective means to that end. "We've seen positive, encouraging results so far and the school principals and teachers are being very supportive,'' he noted. PHOTO LIFE SKILLS GROUP CHAIRMAN -- Mr.

David Cardell