The National Drug Abuse Prevention Unit in collaboration with the St. Joseph Hurricanes Basketball Club conducted a three-week “Kids Basketball Clinic” as part of the NDPU’s “Sports, Not Drugs” summer program.
Twenty young individuals, aged five to 14 years, took part in the three-week program held every weekday afternoon at the St. Joseph basketball court (The Georgia Dome).
In addition to the learning of the sport of basketball, the participants received life skill presentations on the effects of drug use/abuse, refusal skills, protecting the environment, basic fire safety procedures and basic first aid.
Program coordinator, Wilson Languedoc of the National Drug Abuse Prevention Unit and Public Relations Officer of the St. Joseph Hurricanes Basketball Club, Guy Charles revealed that the aim of the program was four-fold, namely:
-To encourage physical activity among the youth as a viable alternative to drug use and violence.
-To develop the sport of basketball in the community of St. Joseph as well as other neighboring communities.
-To provide life skills to the youth through partnering with government district officers and other resource persons.
-To encourage the community to make good use of the hard-court facility and help in the continued enhancement of the Georgia Dome.
Drug Abuse Prevention Officer, Languedoc, delivered presentations on “Refusal Skills” and “Effects of Inhalants on the mind”.
Program participants were informed of the potential dangers of common household products such as paint, markers, glue, and nail polish when inhaled. The young participants were also encouraged to stay away from the common drugs such as alcohol, cocaine and marijuana.
Environmental Health Officer, Calma Louis delivered a presentation on the beauty of a clean environment and measures that we all can do ensure that the environment remains safe and clean.
A Fire Officer of the St. Joseph Fire Station welcomed the participants to the St. Joseph Fire Station where they were briefed on the work of the fire and ambulance service personnel, the different types of situations that may arise that the fire officers are required to respond to and basic home fire safety precautions.
The youth received a familiarization tour of the fire station where they learnt about the various equipment and vehicles that the officers make use of in the performance of their duty.
The participants were thrilled to have a close-up view of the ambulance, fire truck, the radio equipment, and tools that the fire officer/emergency medical technicians make use of.
Some participants expressed a desire to become fire officers in the future.
The officer thanked the coordinators for the community initiative and revealed that the station is “always open” to receive school children and groups that are interested in knowing more about the fire and ambulance service.
Mickelle Languedoc, a participant of the “Kids Basketball Clinic”, expressed thanks on behalf of the participants for the wonderful opportunity afforded to the young ones to explore the St. Joseph Fire Station.
The program started out with twelve youth, however as the word spread twenty-five participants became enrolled.
Guy Charles took on the responsibility for running daily physical education exercises and teaching basic basketball skills to the young participants.
Presentations by resource persons were done every Tuesday afternoon after an initial physical activity workout.
The Hurricanes Basketball Club would like to thank the NDPU for the partnership and the donation of six tins of paint that will go toward the painting of the scoring booth (and displaying anti-drug slogans) at the Georgia Dome, and sincerely hope that the program/collaboration will become an annual affair.
The Kids Basketball Clinic began on August 14 and ended September 2.
Members of the Hurricanes Basketball Club are also available during weekday afternoons to do exercise drills as well as basic basketball drills for individuals of all ages.
Based on the positive responses from the participants, resource persons and parents alike, it is envisioned that this program will be done annually to encourage physical activity among the young as a means to combating Chronic Non-Communicable Disease, curbing drug use/abuse among the younger population, and equipping the young with life skills for effective community participation.
The National Drug Abuse Prevention Unit would like to express sincere thanks and appreciation to Guy Charles for giving of his time and talent to ensure the success of the program; Calma Louis and Fire Officer Birmingham for their efficient and passionate presentations.
Sincerest thanks go out to the parents of the St. Joseph community for consenting to have their children enrolled in the program.
Great Job, It is always exciting to see positive role models for the younger ones. Proud of my village. We from St.Joseph can set an example and lead by example. To all those involved continue with this self sacrificial spirit, when we lead the young, we lead the future. They are our presidents, prime ministers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, farmers etc, if we fill them with positivity from a tender age, our village and people will reap the benefit.
Great
Excellent program and initiative by the young men. The importance of a good role model cannot be overstated. Keep this up guys and I hope it spreads. It could be cricket, football, volleyball or track and field. A little ‘sweat’ goes a long way. Throw in some informative sessions and there is no way the kids come off worse.
Im very excited I’m hoping that it will continue for my village, and others will follow up for the youth thanks to the organization
Thanks to the many hands who were involved in such a brilliant program. We in the diaspora , It gives us a sense of pride and humility to know we are not the only ones giving back. We cannot eradicate poverty, but we can make a difference through education, morality , mentoring , encouragement , and proper ethical values.Thanks to the many participants, we are proud of you.
The good people are standing up and taking to lead in building a healthier and drug free youth.
Good job !
Positive Vibes!
I pray this is done islandwide.