Choose Health: Say No to Drugs

On 4 October 2024, the IMU Scholar Committee successfully organised the ‘Choose Health: Say No to Drugs’ event at Dewan Siber, SMK Pusat Bandar Puchong (1), engaging 55 Form 2 students. This initiative aimed at raising awareness on the dangers of drug abuse while equipping students with essential life skills, including assertiveness, coping strategies, and stress management. Through interactive health awareness activities, the event worked to make a positive impact on the community.

Drug Awareness Talk

A major event highlight was an insightful drug awareness talk by Mr Kow Chia Siang, a Malaysian pharmacist, scientist, and lecturer. Mr. Kow is a member of the Malaysian Pharmacist Society, an Elsevier writer focused on improving access to medicines and was recently recognised as one of the top 2% of scientists worldwide in the field of pharmacy.

During his 30-minute session, Mr Kow covered critical topics such as how drugs can be beneficial when used correctly, the importance of handling medications safely, and methods for identifying counterfeit medicines—an increasingly relevant issue today. His presentation provided participants with practical and valuable knowledge, further emphasising the importance of drug safety and awareness.

The session concluded with a 5-minute Q&A, where participants actively engaged with Mr Kow by asking thoughtful questions. Mr Kow responded to each inquiry with a detailed Answer, further clarifying key points. The interaction allowed participants to deepen their understanding of the topic. Mr Kow’s expertise and engaging approach made a significant impact on the participants’ learning experiences.

The Coping Game

Another highlight of the event was The Coping Game, an interactive and educational tool designed to help students develop effective coping strategies for the challenges they may face in their daily lives.

The game featured a board with 24 scenario-based boxes related to home, school, and social situations. This game was aimed to encourage participants to manage stress and peer pressure, helping them develop healthy coping strategies for improved well-being and resilience.

The students were enthusiastic throughout the session, fully engaging in the game. Laughter and lively debates filled the room as participants tackled various scenarios, encouraging each other and working as a team. The combination of learning and enjoyment made the game a memorable experience. Students not only learned to identify and apply healthy coping mechanisms, but they also improved their overall resilience and well-being in a fun and interactive way.

Arts and Crafts-bookmarks

The “Say No to Drugs” Bookmark Activity is a creative and interactive exercise aimed at promoting drug prevention and awareness among students. This activity allowed participants to express their commitment to staying drug-free through art and personal expression, reinforcing their understanding of the harmful effects of drugs.

With 10 stations offering materials like ribbons, paint markers, and coloured paper, students collected supplies to design their own bookmarks around the theme “Say No to Drugs.” Sample bookmarks were also provided to inspire creativity and help guide their designs, making the session both fun and educational.

Students thoroughly enjoyed the session, eagerly moving between stations to create their unique bookmarks. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as they worked on their designs, with many proudly sharing their finished products and explaining the anti-drug messages they had crafted. The activity was a hit, blending creativity with a meaningful message that resonated with all participants.

The total scores obtained from the pre-and post-event questionnaires indicate a notable improvement in students’ understanding of drug-related issues. Initially, the pre-event score was 2.35 out of 5, while the post-event score increased significantly to 3.55 out of 5. This increase suggests a significant enhancement in students’ knowledge and awareness regarding the dangers of drug use, highlighting the positive impact of the event on their educational outcomes.

The “Choose Health: Say No to Drugs” event received positive feedback across various activities. The Drug Awareness Talk was rated at 3.53 out of 5, while the Coping Game achieved an impressive 4.52 out of 5. The Arts & Crafts (Bookmarks) activity also garnered a favourable rating of 4.05 out of 5.

Overall, participants expressed high satisfaction, with an average rating of 4.67 out of 5. They reported an increase in their understanding of drugs and their effects, scoring an average of 3.87 out of 5. Students reported enjoying the activities and noted a significant increase in their knowledge about drugs, with an average rating of 3.87 out of 5.0 regarding their understanding of the topic. These ratings highlight the event’s success in enhancing awareness and providing valuable educational experiences for students.

The “Choose Health: Say No to Drugs” event successfully achieved its objectives of promoting drug awareness and enhancing students’ understanding of the associated risks. Through engaging activities, including the Drug Awareness Talk, the Coping Game, and the Arts & Crafts session, participants not only learned valuable information but also enjoyed a memorable and interactive experience.

The positive feedback received from students highlights the effectiveness of the event in fostering a drug-free mindset and equipping them with essential coping skills. As we look to the future, we remain committed to organising similar initiatives that empower our youth and contribute to a healthier, drug-free community.

Written by Chen Li Yin, Secretary of Choose Health: Say No to Drugs