Sunday: 01 August 2010:
Abu Dhabi Police launches stories for children to educate them on drugs risks
ADP Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has issued short illustrated stories for children as part of its social message to protect individuals, families and the community from the dangers of drugs. A total of 17,000 copies have been published.
Lt. Colonel Sultan Suwaih Al Darmaki, Head of Anti-Narcotics Section at ADP CID said "The launch of the stories 'We will remain with you', (7,000 copies) and 'Arnoob the Hero', (10,000 copies), is a collaboration with MoI Anti-Narcotics Department and the Department of Technical Affairs and Security Media, to confront the threat of drugs, protect the children of the UAE and spreading awareness in an engaging way".
It’s been a great success and we distributed the stories during World Anti-Narcotics Day to visitors to an exhibition organized by the UAE. They were also distributed to school students and also enjoyed by parents." added Al Darmaki.
He confirmed that due to the support shown by the Higher Leadership, the awareness campaigns would increase and expand during the coming years, in order to involve as large a section of the community as possible.
"The illustrated stories are intended to create awareness among children and to communicate a message about the dangers of drugs and that they should keep their bodies fit and healthy. We are responsible for providing them with bright future free of drugs", added Al Darmaki.
"Specialists participated in preparation of the stories. The main characters are affected by drugs abuse due to their contact with peers who lead them to behaviour which is rejected by families and their community", added Al Darmaki.
The stories also mentioned the effect of drugs abuse on individuals and the community, and the negative consequences on abusers. The stories stated examples of cases reported to treatment units, even by family members to ensure the safety of the country. They also stressed the importance of repentance after addiction and then the return to normal life after treatment.
Al Damarki said "The story 'we will remain with you' is 12 pages long. Its characters are an example of an Emirati family, though they adhere to social values and traditions, are affected by drugs because of bad company and influences".
"The second story 'Arnoob the Hero' is based on the character of a rabbit and how drugs have changed his active life to one of laziness and deteriorating health, and is no longer accepted by the community and and his friends" , added Al Darmaki.
The books are written in a simplified language suitable to the age of the target audience.