Caption: Students of the Mason Hall, Moriah, Castara and Parlatuvier Primary Schools display their artwork from the “Splash and Dab” exercise with Prestige Arts International at the Tobago House of Assembly’s (THA) Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection (DHWSP) Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Programme (ADAPP) Clean Air Fair on 5 May at the  Mason Hall Community Centre, Tobago

By Alicia Chamely

STUDENTS from Castara, Mason Hall, Moriah, and Parlatuvier Primary Schools gained awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and marijuana during the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Programme (ADAPP) Clean Air Fair.

In a press release sent on Monday by Tobago House of Assembly’s (THA) Division of Health, Wellness and Social Protection (DHWSP) the ADAPP stated the Clean Air Fair took place on 5 June at the Mason Hall Community Centre, Tobago.

The event, which hosted 75 students, followed World No Tobacco Day (May 31), under the global theme “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products”

ADAPP stated students were facilitated by ADAPP Behavioural Services Officers Shermin Joy Charles and Lynetta Moore-Andrews, who showed them animated videos from the Trinity S.M.A.R.T Programme to educate the children on the misleading appeal of smoking and marijuana.

The release said students participated in simulation exercises to experience the effects of marijuana, viewed lung models comparing healthy and smoker’s lungs, and engaged in art and drama activities.

Charles stated, “Young children face increasing exposure to misleading information surrounding tobacco products. As these students prepare to transition to adolescence and secondary school, we aim to equip them with the knowledge, practical life skills and confidence to resist tobacco use.”