Several schools in Huaphan province have been certified as drug-free this year.

Over 1,000 schools certified as drug-free

A total of 1,367 secondary schools across Laos have been certified as drug-free institutions.
The Minister of Education and Sports, Associate Prof. Dr Phout Simmalavong, reported the figure during the 4th National Assembly’s ordinary session on December 8.
The Ministry of Education and Sports has made the prevention of drug abuse and solving the problem of narcotics an important task and a priority. It is working in cooperation with many sectors to implement the national agenda to solve the drug problem in the education and sports sectors.
Members of the National Assembly expressed concern about the problem of drugs and said steps should be taken to ensure youngsters do not drug addicts.
Dr Phout said the Ministry of Education and Sports has issued legislation on drug-free schools.
Through the implementation of the legislation, a total of 1,367 secondary schools, or 82 percent of all secondary schools in the country, have been certified as drug-free schools.
To continue tackling the problem of drugs in the education and sports sectors in future as part of the national agenda for resolving the drugs problem, the ministry will carry out several tasks. This will include:
1. Focus on leading and instructing the political thinking, qualities and morals of party members, teachers and students.
2. Advertising and dissemination of information on legislation and the consequences of drug abuse in magazines, brochures, newspapers, television, radio, billboards and other media so that teachers and students know about the harmful effects and dangers of narcotics.
3. Organising seminars or question-answer activities in schools about the harmful effects and dangers of drugs.
4. Organising ceremonies to celebrate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, including activities in schools focused on sports, arts and anti-drug slogans.
5. The Ministry of Education and Sports will partner with the Ministry of Health to publish the tobacco control law and bad effects of electronic cigarettes in schools.
6. The Ministry of Education and Sports will coordinate with line ministries, social organisations, individuals, enterprises and domestic and foreign development partners to support technically and financially the implementation of measures to prevent drug abuse in the education and sports sectors in Laos.
An assessment of measures put in place in the past to tackle the problem of drugs has shown that most students understand and see the dangers posed by narcotics and stay away from such bad things.
“However, in the actual implementation, we still find many problems, such as cooperation between some schools, communities and government agencies not going well,” Dr Phout Simmalavong said.
The ministry will improve the legislation to make it more clear and in line with the current situation. The education sector also lacks funds, equipment and vehicles to implement the law and regulations.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update December 21, 2022)