DrugFree4Health – EdUHK I-WELL Drug Abuse Prevention Education Program in Tertiary Institutions
Funding Scheme
Beat Drugs Fund (Non-RGC)
Funding Amount
HK$2,123,278
Awarded Year
2021
.png)
Reducing drug abuse among tertiary-level students
This research project, led by Professor Leung Chi-hung, Co-Director of I-WELL and Professor (Practice) at SEC, aims to encourage students at EdUHK to maintain an anti-drug lifestyle, and to empower them, through various drug-prevention education programmes, with positive psychology and motivational tools to reduce the attraction of drug dependence. These include the “DrugFree Buddy” Anti-drug Abuse Ambassador Programme, Parenting Skills and Interest Group Activities, the “Life Teacher” Programme, and the “Anti-drug Abuse Talk Design Award Scheme for Primary and Secondary Schools”.
Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. The research team contributes towards the following SDG(s):
.JPG)
The project tackles the critical issue of drug abuse among students. It aims to enhance EdUHK students’ drug-related knowledge through seminars and activities, training them to become “DrugFree Buddy” ambassadors. These ambassadors then collaborate with social workers and ex-drug rehabilitees to organize “Interest Groups and Parenting Training” and “Life Teacher” activities. This allows the ambassadors to apply the knowledge gained from seminars and activities in practical settings, effectively preventing drug abuse, encouraging correct understanding of drug-related issues, and strengthening anti-drug promotion skills.
Running from Aug 2021 to Feb 2024, this research project takes a comprehensive approach to promoting anti-drug awareness, focusing on creating a well-informed and proactive community by enhancing students’ knowledge through training workshops. “DrugFree Buddy” ambassadors play a crucial role in spreading anti-drug messages and supporting their peers. By working with social workers and ex-drug rehabilitees, the research project raises awareness about drug-related issues, facilitates the practical application of skills in real-world scenarios, and fosters community involvement. It also encourages the development of educational materials for schools, further promoting anti-drug awareness and contributing to a healthier student body.
.jpg)
Over 95% of participating EdUHK students provided positive feedback on the training workshops, indicating increased knowledge about drugs and rehabilitation. Ambassadors engaging in “Interest Groups and Parenting Skills Training” and the “Life Teacher” programme allowed them to interact directly with former drug users, provide timely assistance and guide students on resisting drugs. The “Anti-drug Abuse Talk Design Award Scheme” encourages students to create educational anti-drug lesson plans that teachers can use as references in their classrooms. Overall, significant improvements in ambassadors’ understanding of cannabis has been observed, with 90.5% of participants reporting an increased determination to resist cannabis use.
Selected Publications
|
International Achievements or Awards
|
|
