02 August 2024
Introduction
Today our team conducted a substance support campaign at Nieuwedrift Primary School, targeting students in grades 4 to 7. The primary objective was to educate the students on the physical dangers of drug abuse, with a specific focus on the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes.
Objectives
To raise awareness among students about the physical dangers associated with drug abuse.
To educate students on specific harmful chemicals found in cigarettes.
To encourage healthy, drug-free lifestyles among primary school learners.
Watch the video here:
Activities and Content
Awareness Session on Physical Dangers of Drug Abuse
We initiated the campaign with an engaging and interactive session that highlighted the physical dangers of drug abuse. The presentation included:
Visual aids showing the harmful effects of drug abuse on the body.
Real-life stories and examples to illustrate the severe consequences of substance abuse.
Discussion on how drug abuse can negatively impact one's health, academic performance, and social relationships.
Chemical Awareness in Cigarettes
A key component of the campaign was educating the learners about the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes. We focused on four specific chemicals to illustrate the dangers:
Acetone
Commonly found in nail polish remover.
Effects: Can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat; prolonged exposure can lead to liver and kidney damage.
Rat Poison (Arsenic)
Used in pesticides and as a poison for rodents.
Effects: Highly toxic, can cause severe health issues including cancer and death.
Nail Polish Remover Chemical (Ethyl Acetate)
Found in various household and industrial products.
Effects: Can cause headaches, nausea, and damage to internal organs with prolonged exposure.
Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)
Commonly used as a household disinfectant and in industrial cleaning products.
Effects: Can cause severe respiratory issues, skin irritation, and potential long-term health problems.
We used simple, relatable examples and interactive demonstrations to help the students understand the presence of these chemicals in cigarettes and their harmful effects on the human body.
Conclusion
The substance support campaign at Nieuwedrift Primary School successfully raised awareness among learners about the physical dangers of drug abuse. By focusing on the harmful chemicals in cigarettes and providing engaging, interactive content, we aimed to instill a sense of caution and responsibility in the learners regarding substance use. We hope that this campaign will contribute to fostering a healthier, drug-free environment for the students at Nieuwedrift Primary School.
Feedback from both students and teachers was positive, indicating a strong understanding and engagement with the campaign’s content. Moving forward, we plan to conduct follow-up sessions and continuous support to ensure the message of living a healthy, drug-free life is sustained.
Contact us on admin@hopeforyouthsouthafrica.co.za to get involved !
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