Early childhood educators in Tobago are now equipped with the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively implement drug prevention education at their institutions.
The educators engaged in a two-day training workshop at the Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection’s Head Office.
Behavioural Health Unit Senior Programme Coordinator Shellie-Ann John described the training as groundbreaking as she noted it is the first time Tobago’s early childhood educators are receiving training in drug prevention education.
“Not only because of its focus on early childhood but because you, our dedicated participants, are here to receive vital knowledge that will help shape young minds and safeguard their future.”
Behavioural Services Officer Shermin Charles said it is hoped that the teachers will integrate the programme’s contents into the school curriculum.
“The introduction of the universal prevention curriculum for practitioners, which provides the foundational theory and strategies for prevention education, understanding drugs, which offers insight into the effect of substances like tobacco, alcohol and energy drinks on a child’s development, and implementing the Trinity SMART programme in pre-schools.”
Director of Social Protection, Dr. Hanif Benjamin, highlighted that the training is aimed at increasing teachers’ understanding of drug use with a view to providing necessary support.
“Because if the drugs are used at home, chances are they are second-hand users, and sometimes that young boy in your class or young girl may not be able to achieve their full potential, and you know they can do better, but you are not sure why, it is because they are inhaling the marijuana every day. They have the effects of drugs on their brain without wanting to, so this is beyond just you becoming educated, but how can we begin to make safer homes for our children.”
The training was undertaken using the Trinity S.M.A.R.T. Programme developed by the National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Programme (NADAPP), under the Ministry of Health.