Drug Education Forums

Schools are invited to apply for funding to conduct a drug education forum utilising a peer led approach. Grants will be available between Term 1, 2006 and Term 2, 2008.

Participation in drug education forums will aim to further develop young people’s attitudes, knowledge and values in relation to drug issues by:

• Building the knowledge and skills of students trained as peer leaders
• Engaging students in activities such as health expos, performances and presentations addressing health and drug issues
• Providing opportunities for students to lead or participate in youth focused local summits and drug information sessions
• Engaging students in creative approaches to drug education such as building websites, developing theatre productions, photographic displays, journal articles and musical items.

The Australian Government has developed and distributed the Leading Education About Drugs (L.E.A.D.) resource to all schools. It assists schools in conducting forums by: Providing practical, hands-on strategies for implementing student participation in drug education Suggestions for using interactive and experiential learning approaches Guiding principles Planning points Sample agendas and outlines of activities for schools to use Advice on peer participatory training.

As a condition of funding schools are required to report on forum activities. This report will provide a brief account of the activity, numbers of students, parent and community members involved, role and effectiveness of peer facilitators and an evaluation of the outcomes and an acquittal of expenditure.