The Department of National Drug Control started an after school programme to combat drug use.

Attorney General Michael Scott said the cross-ministry inittiative brought the programme to middle school students. a

He added: “Research indicates that the ultilization of after-school programmes is an effective approach to preventing alchol and drug use, reducing delinquency and promoting alternatives to delinquent behaviours.

“Programming affords young people with opportunuities to practice and develop resilience, develop problem solvings skills and to build positive peer relations whilst learning and also incorporating postive social and emotional skills. “

He said the programme provided students with facutal and scientific information about drug use as well as providing teachers and parents with infromation and guidance.

It also gives them skills to handle peer preassure and make positive decisions.

“We are all too well aware of the impact of drugs and other social ills on our community,” he said. “The best place to halt it is in the earliest stages.

“This vibrant programme hits at the core and aims to ebb the tide in formative years of development, building new skills to make good decisions.”

The first programme started at Whitney Institute Middle School on November 16.

The prgramme will operate three days a week, Tuesday through Thursday, and provides snacks and transportation home for those who need it.

In total 15 students per school can attend, already Dellwood Middle School has signed on as well as others.