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It is no secret that Drug abuse can be destructive to both the person and the people around. Lives have been ruin and families destroyed because of drug abuse. While many have also come back stronger after turning away, prevention is still better than cure. Thankfully the Singapore government with the support of the community have been working together to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs with the Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign (ADAC).
The Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign has been going strong since 1995 and to celebrate its 20th Anniversary, a two day Anti-Drug Abuse Carnival, to raise awareness and support for the anti-drug cause. Held at Suntec City Convention Centre Hall 403, the highlight of the carnival is a special 20th anniversary photo and timeline exhibition showcasing how the community and government have worked together since 1995 for this important cause.
The carnival is also held in conjunction with DanceWorks!, a dance competition involving youth participants from schools and institutes of higher learning. With a theme on “Dance for a Drug-Free Singapore”, some 338 participants from 36 teams and 25 schools/organisations took part. From contemporary moves to a mixture of both classic and modern, these teams also incorporated simple storylines into their dance items to present the message that drugs are harmful.
Winning the top awards at this year’s DanceWorks! are “Sugar Rush Crew” from Day 1’s Category I for students in primary schools and youths aged 13 years old and below and “D’Movement” from Dunman High School taking the top spot for Day 2’s Category II for students in secondary schools and youths aged 25 years and below.
Adding to the sights and sounds of the Carnival are various activities at booths manned by student volunteers from Singapore Polytechnic. These fun activities such as nerf gun shooting not only help engage visitors but also bring the anti-drug and healthy lifestyle message to them.
Rounding off the carnival is a special media wall where visitors can make an anti-drug pledge using their own mobile devices and see their pledge projected onto the media wall at the carnival. Members of public have until 31 July 2015 to submit an anti-drug pledge using their own devices at http://bit.ly/1Fi2Tx8.
The message to stay away from drugs is an important one and it is heartening to see the Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign (ADAC) going strong after 20 years. The message must continue to be heard among the youth and young adults which have increased over the years as mentioned in Mr Masagos Zulkifli (Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs)’s speech and hopefully with new initiatives by the National Council Against Drug Abuse, the community will continue to work with the government to help raise the anti-drug awareness.
Photo Credits: Central Narcotics Bureau
By Kenneth Wong.
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