message is to be introduced into all primary schools this September.

The Lion-Quest "Skills for Growing'' programme aims to teach kids self-discipline, good judgment and responsibility to help them cope with the temptations and challenges of modern day life.

A similar programme for secondary students, "Skills for Adolescence'' is to be phased in over the next few years and will feature on the new Middle School Curriculum.

"Schools have changed and the responsibility of schools has changed. The three "R''s have to be joined by a whole alphabet of things,'' said Education Officer Mrs. Janette Musson who spearheads the programme.

"The underlying concept that we provide the right kind of external environment and teach them the kinds of skills we know will make them well-adjusted and healthy adults.

"It will give us a better chance of having young people able to cope with the challenges that today's society throws at them.'' It was not, she said, a "quick fix'' or a panacea but had "real potential'' to make a difference.

The programme is the result of a partnership between Lions Club International and Quest International -- a non-profit educational organisation that unites families, schools and communities for the positive development of young people.

With the leadership and financial support of the Lions, the programme has been extended to 30,000 schools and youth organisations in the United States, Canada, Sweden, India and 24 other countries.

Last September about 100 teachers, administrators and social workers underwent an intensive three-day training course last September when consultants from Quest International in the United States came to Bermuda.

At a Lions lunch this week, Mrs. Musson announced that all primary school teachers had been trained and she thanked Hamilton Lions for their financial backing since the project's beginnings seven years ago.

But Mrs. Musson urged Lions, parents and the community in general to become more actively involved.

"As adults we have a very special role to play,'' Mrs. Musson said. "We teach by example in what we say and what we do. Children are watching and learning from us all the time.

"This programme spills out of the classroom. Parents ask me, `what can I do?' It is a question of giving support that involves time, energy and heart.'' The programme also aims to create a more positive school environment, involve parents in their children's education through a series of meetings acquainting them with the schools' resources and staff and create links with community groups in order to bring schools more in touch with the outside world.

Not only teachers, but school counsellors and principals are trained to participate in the programme to build up students' confidence and equip them with skills to make the right choices when faced with the temptations of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.

"We are constantly revising what we are doing,'' Mrs. Musson said.

"September will be a very exciting time. For the first time, all primary children will be able to benefit from the programme.'' Mrs. Janette Musson