Hike encourages healthy alternatives to drugs

Thirty-two Peer Helpers of the Laudat, Trafalgar, Wotten Waven, Morne Prosper, St. Luke, and Soufriere Primary schools undertook a hike of a portion of the Perdu Temps trail that leads to Brother Pomp’s residence.

The undertaking was organized by the National Drug Prevention Unit (NDPU) through Drug Abuse Prevention Officers, Wilson Languedoc and Crephenia James-Turney.

The hike was in keeping with the NDPU’s theme for the year, “Make Health Your ‘New High’ in Life, Not Drugs”.

The hike was organized as a means to encourage students and adults to pursue healthy alternatives to drug use and abuse.

Nurse Adora Toussaint of the Health Promotion Unit commended the National Drug Prevention Unit for not only teaching students of the dangers of drug abuse but also for encouraging physical activities such as hiking as healthy alternatives.

She stressed that such activities (hiking) help in the fight against Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNDC) such as cancer, high-blood pressure, and diabetes

The hikers were cordially welcomed by Brother Pomp and family and were given a tour of the organic farm. Brother Pomp delivered a lecture on the importance of healthy eating, and physical activity. All were treated with sugarcane and other fruits from the farm. The NDPU expressly thanks Mr. Pomp and family for their kind hospitality.

A student as young as five years of age (accompanied by her mom) successfully undertook the hike, to the amazement of all.

The National Drug Abuse Prevention Unit thanks the principal, staff and parents of the respective schools for consenting to have their student/children participate in this undertaking. Sincere thanks to Nurse Adora Toussaint of the Health Promotion Unit for serving as a medical professional in the event of any mishap.

Many thanks to the parents of students of the Laudat Primary School for their presence and Arie McGloire for providing refreshments at the end of the return leg.

The Peer Helpers Programme is an initiative of the National Drug Abuse Prevention Unit that encourages students (peer to peer) teaching, the building of drug corners and seeking healthy alternatives to drug use and abuse among students at the grade five level.