DRUG EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN SCHOOLS

The Prime Minister, the Rt Hon J B Bolger, today announced the Government's intention to establish a $1 million fund for the providers of drug education programmes targeted at young people.

Mr Bolger said the fund would be available to providers such as the Life Education Trust and the Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Education (FADE).

He made the announcement during a visit to a mobile Life Education Trust classroom at Banks Avenue Primary School in Christchurch. He said the fund was further support for the Government's policy to reduce drug use.

Said Mr Bolger: "While the healthy lifestyle message is included in schools' health curriculum, the Government wants to contribute more to equipping our young people with the information and the self confidence to say no to the use or misuse of drugs.

"Drug use can have a devastating impact on young people - on their physical well-being, their mental well-being and on their ability to concentrate and learn, depriving them of opportunities for the future.

"Drug use can not only destroy lives but also destroy families."

Mr Bolger said he believed that a contestable fund would ensure that the most efficient and effective programmes would reach young New Zealanders.

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