Education awareness about substance abuse will now be added to the curriculum at the Kuru Kuru Training Centre, in the wake of a recent incident where students were found with illicit drugs, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr Frank Anthony said at a Christmas fete at the centre.
A Government Informa-tion Agency (GINA) quoted Anthony as saying the objective of adding this topic to the syllabus is to educate youths about the negative consequences of substance abuse and the stiff legal penalties which can be faced for illegal drugs. “We will ensure that there is a component of training where we can talk about some of (these harmful substances) such as alcohol, cigarettes and the effect they will have on the human body,” he said.
During the December 17 luncheon with the students, the minister said he was concerned about reports of two students facing expulsion after being found with marijuana in their possession. He warned them that other students found breaking the law will face the same penalty.
Students in the previous programme benefited from a peer education training course for the first time last year. The programme was introduced to increase students’ awareness about HIV/AIDS and help them to be active in advocacy. He said the importance of such a programme in influencing students’ lifestyle choices cannot be under-estimated. Anthony said the peer education programme will also be included in the 2008 curriculum and it will include a component on substance abuse.
Meanwhile, other efforts are afoot to improve the institution’s services. This includes adding more books to the library to expand the reading facility for students. Anthony said debating competitions will also be hosted and students will be taught to play chess. The minister said he would donate 10 chess sets to the institution.
Anthony acknowledged that accommodation is often a challenge at the Soesdyke-Linden Highway centre since the number of applicants exceeds the intake level and he urged students to take full advantage of the opportunities provided. “You should apply yourself during the time that you are here so that you can graduate because if you miss that opportunity, not only are you denying yourself a chance to get certification but you will be denying someone else who could have come on the programme,” Anthony said.
According to GINA over the years a number of initiatives have been taken to enhance the centre. About 173 youths from across the country began the ten-month residential skills training at the centre under the Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Training programme. This group, the 8th batch of students also benefited from Information Technology training.
During their tenure students also participate in inter-dormitory competitions, educational tours and participation in Mashramani, the President’s Youth Award: Republic of Guyana and independence programmes.
Other courses such as business, carpentry, electrical installation, joinery, masonry, motor mechanics, plumbing, welding and fabrication are also offered.
At the end of their training, the students are expected to develop self-reliance and entrepreneurial techniques.
