And while chess is being examined as one alternative to non-productive life paths for young people, what about just saying no. Well, we know that the questions have gotten so complex that a simple “no” – can’t cut it. But what about collective, engaged resistance form the at-risk group. That’s what the drug council encourages with its red ribbon weeks. Schools collectively protest against drug abuse and Wesley did so in the city streets again this year. With marijuana use being reported in children as young as 6 – it’s the kind of action that needs to be demonstrative. They definitely did their part today. Here’s more.
Jacqueline Godwin Reporting,
Twenty three days after the body of fourteen year old second form Wesley College student Dylan Ayuso was found today the his former schoolmates and teachers took to the streets as part of their annual drug free campaign.
Esner Vellos, Director – NDACC
“We have seen that there has been an increase of use of drugs in terms of marijuana, cocaine, and those kinds of stuff. But like I said the National Drug Council is always trying to make sure that the message is sent out there so that the percentage of drug use in our country is reduced.”
Wesley College is one of only three city high schools that promote a drug free lifestyle. Each year these secondary institutions hold activities in their effort to eliminate drug use among youths. The anti drug movement helps the students and their teachers to spread the message throughout the community where their presence is seen and there are voices heard.
Roosvltpapou Loute, Chairman, Wesley College Board
“The students who go to this school get to reflect on one of the things that is affecting society at large and at the same time maybe take that same message home and to their communities, share with their peers and tell them to be drug free.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
“Why do you believe young girls like yourself are still involved in drugs?”
Anna Pinto, Student - Wesley College
“I don’t know, maybe because of the money.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
“Peer pressure too?”
Anna Pinto,
“Well to be truthful drugs and paper don’t pay.”
Jacqueline Godwin,
“And why is it important for us to be drug free?”
Anna Pinto,
“Because it makes you live a better life.”
Juan Patt, Teacher - Wesley College
“Well we are celebrating drug awareness week, trying to make our community get some knowledge that this school promotes this drug awareness week so that they could stay out of drugs.”
The police have yet to find Dylan Ayuso’s killer who used a six foot long two by four to kill his young victim. It is strongly believed that the bloody homicide was a message sent to one of Dylan Ayuso’s brothers who is allegedly involved in the drug war or it was Dylan Ayuso’s association with a rival gang that led to his murder. And while Wesley College efforts in school to help one of their own may have been successful in keeping Dylan Ayuso in class there seems to have been outside neglect. Today’s march it is hoped will help to raise the awareness among families and communities that it is also their responsibility to get involved.
Roosvltpapou Loute,
“We have difficulties in this society to address everything. Remember we are dealing with individuals and so people tend to make their own choices. But as a school, as a community, we try to send the right message to them to influence them to do what is right, especially as it relates to drugs.”
Esner Vellos,
“Well it is very serious and we at the National Drug Council are doing our best to make sure that we can reduce the amount of drugs in our nation. Wesley College has for many years done their drug awareness week. We at the National Council applaud their efforts and of course support the initiative that they are doing, hence the reason we are here today supporting them for this effort.”
And while the National Drug Control Council applauds the ongoing effort undertaken by Wesley College more young lives continue to be affected. Why? Well Esner Vellos believes that at least at NDACC they have their work has yet to be accomplished.
Esner Vellos,
“The message we have been sending out there has not been the appropriate one since in terms of the youth population, there are demands in terms of better media campaigns and things like that, information. We need to make sure at the National Drug Council that we can promote these kind of campaigns that are youth friendly so that they would be able to hear what we are trying to telling them because at the end of the day we are telling them that they must not use drugs but at the end of the day it is their choice that they need to make, a proper choice.”
Reporting for 7News, Jacqueline Godwin.
The red ribbon observation is an annual event.
