28 June 2013

UN International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

The Church of Scientology sponsored Drug Free Ambassadors in conjunction with the Mangere Maori Wardens held a conference on drug abuse in South Auckland this week in recognition of the United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Community groups from around Auckland gathered together at the Income Planning Services centre in Otahuhu to discuss the issue of drug abuse and its effects on people’s lives, including the family and the community. Speakers included Lesely Matia, manager Income Planning Services; Thomas Henry, Mangere Maori Wardens; Joy Ramsey, Lalotoa i’ Aotearoa trust; Alex Huni, Tongan community; Robert Goijarts, Family Federation; Fiona Bakulich, Silver Dawn Funeral Services; Ken Royson, Stop Binge Drinking; and Rita Peters, Drug Free Ambassadors.

The message from the conference was how to strengthen people through education on the subject of drug and alcohol abuse; and how to include the community in addressing the problems drugs and alcohol cause.

"Ask any drug addict and they will tell you they never planned to become addicted,” said Rita Peters of the Drug Free Ambassadors. “What young people are being told about drugs by the pushers is lies—they want to sell their drugs, they are going to say it destroys lives.”

Because the issue of drug is widespread a steering committee was formed by the delegates of this conference to translate the Drug Free World materials into the languages of the South Pacific, not only for use in New Zealand but for the islands as well where drug use is an increasing problem.

"Our community drug-education programme has been in very heavy demand since its inception," Ms Peters added, "Widespread drug education is the most effective weapon in dealing with drugs as prevention saves lives. The initiatives from this conference will go a long way to address the drug problem in this region.”

To obtain free drug education booklets and more information about Drug Free World visit www.drugfreeworld.org.

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