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Celebrities amplify message on dangers of drugs

Author: Vientiane Times Reporters
Published: 16/01/2012
Newspaper section: International Cooperation

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) staged a pop concert at Phanman Secondary School in Vientiane as part of its drug awareness campaign to warn young people about the dangers of drugs. Students were enticed to attend by being given the chance to hear popular singers Mr Tee Oudalai and Aluna, and see a performance by the break dance group Lao Bang Fai.

However, despite the fact they got to hear some of their favourite singers, there was a serious message behind the concert. In between performances, students listened to stories from celebrities and other respected experts on the dangers posed by drug abuse.

UNODC programme officer Ms Sakina Frattina said the event was organised in cooperation with the Lao Centre for Drug Control, as part of a one year drug awareness and prevention campaign that has been launched called "Be smart, don't use drugs". The performances were organised to break down barriers and make students more receptive to the message, with many interactive games also on offer. There was also an art competition in conjunction with some information posters, on the theme of drug awareness.

Nine "Youth Ambassadors" were chosen to help with the campaign, including Lao personalities such as singers Tee Oudalai, Aluna, May and Sack, along with radio MC Noutha, top student achiever Namphone, football player Lamnao, and Miss Laos 2011 Thidalath Vongsili. With the help of these Youth Ambassadors, UNODC developed local drug awareness campaign materials such as comic books, posters, flyers, songs and video-clips.

They plan to use the materials at a series of events at schools and other venues to help put an early stop to the problems that come with drug use and addiction.

UNODC staff and the Lao Bang Fai team supervised the art competition and handed out flyers to students. Singers Tee and Aluna said they were happy to take part in the campaign to help keep young people away from drugs. "I'm really happy that the performances by popular singers and Lao Bang Fai will help get the message through to young people that drugs are bad news," Aluna said.

Last week, schools across the capital had some unusual guests as part of the campaign. Celebrities including Lao rock legend Sack from The Cells, and pop singers Mae La-Ong and Aluna visited secondary schools, as part of the campaign organised by UNODC.

Students have had the rare opportunity to spend their afternoons listening to their favourite stars perform live on the school grounds. At each event, celebrities warn the students about the dangers of drug abuse, speak about the importance of leading motivated and drug-free lives, and distribute posters, stickers and drug awareness materials for students to take home. There are also graffiti exhibitions, face painting, break dancing, and puppet theatres to keep the students entertained and engaged.

The UNODC Art Competition is being held in conjunction with the concerts, and students from the six participating schools will get to create their own artwork relating to the effects and consequences of experimenting with drugs, with the entries to be judged by a panel when the competition ends.

The winning artworks will be put on public display on March 10 at the Patuxay Monument. A jury composed of Lao artists will choose the three winners. The prizes will include three laptops for the best three paintings, while seven consolation prize winners will receive their own art supplies. The winning students' schools will also receive cash donations.