Edenderry Garda roll out Drug and Alcohol Week schools programme
Edenderry Gardaí will be visiting all schools in the Edenderry area this week rolling out their Drug and Alcohol Programme with the support of Edenderry Schools Completion Programme.
Under the guidance of Sgt Niall O Reilly and Sgt David Harte, Edenderry Garda are visiting schools in the area as part of the new annual Drug and Alcohol awareness week. Students in each school will participate in an hour-long programme learning why legislation is in place to protect people, the experience of local Gardai in harmful effects and outcomes for families involved in drug and alcohol misuse and how the law is enforced when breaches occur to the legislation.
Upon launching the programme last week Sgt Niall O’ Reilly explained: “Awareness is key to young people understanding the harmful effects of drug and alcohol misuse. Specially trained Gardaí in each Garda Division are tasked with the implementation of the programme in schools. We are looking forward to working with local schools to engage with as many students as possible over the week."
Coordinator of the Edenderry School Completion programme, Jim Maher, who works directly with young people and their families commended local Gardaí in Edenderry on their proactive approach in educating young people of the area. “While local Gardai, schools and other agencies can alert young people to the pitfalls of engaging in such behaviours, it must be stressed that the continued learning and guidance from home is vital in protecting the future of our young people”, he stated.
The Garda Schools Programme office has responsibility for the development of the programme ensuring national implementation. The Garda Schools Programme is a Department of Education and Skills led initiative which commenced in 1991, delivered by Garda Schools Programme trained Gardaí across the country. Interaction with children in schools, both primary and secondary is an effective way to communicate to young people on a range of subjects which teach children sensible and responsible patterns of behaviour.
If you wish to learn more about garda educational programmes, please email Edenderry.sergeantoffice@garda.ie