With regard to the D.A.R.E. graduation programme for Primary Schools, facilitated by the Anguilla Police Force, the winner of both the poster competition and the report contest was Form 2 student, Sagè Connor, of the Omololu International School. Following is a copy of a letter from Sagè to the Commissioner of Police Mr. Paul Morrison, about the benefits she derived from the programme, as well as her views on drug and alcohol abuse and crime.
15th June, 2020
Mr. Paul Morrison
Commissioner of Police
Royal Anguilla Police Force
The Valley, Anguilla
Dear Mr. Morrison,
My name is Sage Connor and I am a Middle School Student at the Omololu International School. I am writing to express my opinions on the D.A.R.E. Programme that is being taught in primary and secondary schools and offers ways to spread awareness.
One of the major causes for increased crimes on the island is because of Drug and Alcohol House. The first lesson I have learnt in this programme was that drugs are any substances other than food that can affect the way the mind and body works and I have kept and I will continue to keep this for the rest of my life. I am really happy with our D.A.R.E Officers for implementing this programme in the schools to educate the youths.
“One Life, One Chance, Avoid Drugs.” As a youth in Anguilla, I would like to share my views on the D.A.R.E. Programme. Many young people in our society today are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Based on my observation, most youths try to fit in either by drinking alcohol or by smoking marijuana because their friends are doing it. That same child that is trying to fit in, may have a bright future ahead but just a sip or one spliff can turn their life for the worst. Some youths are not educated on how quickly one’s life can be changed when bad choices are made hence the D.A..R.E. Programme officers such education.
There are many benefits from the D.A.R.E. Programme and it has had a great effect on the youths of Anguilla. Firstly, I have been taught this programme for over 3 years and it just keeps getting better. This programme is not an ordinary programme that just tells you “don’t do drugs because it harms you but it taught me how to avoid situations that can be harmful. Thanks to Officer Lake and Officer Carbon who has made the class more enjoyable and interactive. I liked the method of splitting us into two groups to tackle decisions and have open discussions with each other. For me personally, I love to interact with my pairs to hear their views on decisions that youths are being faced with and the solutions that are being offered.
Secondly, the D.A.R.E. Programme has positive impacts on society generally because it seeks to build character and positiveness. One does not have to be of school age to learn about D.A.R.E. but through this programme, the youths are empowered to share the information with persons that are in their circle. Back in the days, the older generation was not adequately educated about the dangers of smoking marijuana and drinking alcohol hence the youths can share the ill effects of engaging in such activities with them. Young people are often influenced by the company around them. The saying goes “Your vibe attracts your tribe” but this is not altogether true because a youth that may be an A+ student and lives in a prominent household may be pressured by others to steal or do drugs with a group.
I can ensure that the information learnt is shared by having a monthly awareness march in different communities on the island. The D.A.R.E.officers, highschool students, primary school students, teachers, principals and the community can come together to spread this awareness. In this way not only the youths in Anguilla will be educated but the entire society. Through this awareness, persons that may appear to be unapproachable can be educated. The D.A.R.E. Officers can expand the curriculum to the tertiary level or 6th Form. The officers should try to relate topics beyond the secondary level, for example; a child may be moving to a new country to further their studies and you can remind the child that anything is possible when you go to the outer world because someone may try to pressure them to do something they do not want to do, they can reintroduce the D.A.R.E decision making plan. I can also ensure that people are aware of the D.A.R.E. Programme by sharing information via social media or by having a face to face conversation with the youth and adults in my community about the programme and how it can impact their lives positively.
Lastly, the importance of the D.A..R.E Programme for students is to help persons get out of bad habits like smoking or taking drugs. Also, it helps us to make good decisions in bad situations. I personally feel that the officers are doing a great job in teaching the youths over the past few years and it has indeed been successful.
Sincerely yours,
Sage Connor
