Public Awareness
Today the counsellors in school did a great job in conjunction with their public health awareness campaign. It was a good change to invite some government-linked organizations to inform the children of their public health campaigns.
The Bomber team in familiar looking attires gladly expounded the role of the fire brigade and a special display of their equipment gave invaluable knowledge and information to us.
The Ops Sikap team gave a friendly exposition on the dos and don'ts and warned children of inconsiderate attitudes on the road.
Although in form 6, they nevertheless expressed great interest and keenness in the various exhibits and actively enquired about the various services.
Top on the list concurring with the latest public health threat is the campaign against the small but fatal Aedes mosquito. It is not exaggerating when we receive reports of many fatalities connected to the dengue fever. Really, the number one enemy to the public during this dry and wet time is looming all around us whether in school or at home.
Students are again reminded of all possible breeding grounds for the mosquito and told to be on a conscious look-out for them. Indeed the many eyes are a needed help at this time.
Schools have been under scrutiny and warnings have been circulated on possible breeding grounds and yes...the cistern in toilets is a favourite hiding and breeding place. During school breaks when the toilets are not so occupied, the Aedes linger around the cisterns and breed. The poor children may be possible targets and victims.
Whether at home or in school, all have been asked to put on their guard against the public health threat.
The fire brigade engine parked outside the school hall provided much excitement as students scramble to have a look at the inside of the vehicle.
Compartments are clearly depicted and the storage of the various emergency equipment provided us with the information on how they carry out emergency exercises. Suddenly, I remembered all those Hong Kong Wa La Toi series connected to the police and brigade forces and it was indeed an exposure.
A further look revealed to us on how the bikes were also adequately equipped for emergency purposes.
The Res Q bike ... am not sure how it operates but it must be for rescue purposes...
Of course the hose is well-contained in a neat case for transporting water to put out the troubled fire.
See how well-placed is the pump on the bike to help out emergency exercises.
Perhaps an experience out of the world is contained in this mobile vehicle which has an archive of information on another looming threat to the general public and health of the nation - drugs.
The students are indeed very privileged to be able to experience an insight into the exposition of the menace in the school grounds. In fact, we have been told that the school is the second school that they have visited. It was an eye-opener experience.
Placed just outside the door step of the vehicle is a friendly lass waiting to take you for a tour in the vehicle !
Students queued for their turns and while the wait was quite a while, it was nevertheless worth the while.
The officials told us that the start of all trouble is the cigarette. The stick may look harmless but it is the root of all problems. Students and children are first attracted to the stick and not long after they may get addicted to it and before long the more adventurous one will venture into greater risks like drugs.
Materials in making the stick were clearly shown and explained and most contained cocaine which has an addictive effect on the smokers.
These are the equipment used by the common drug takers to help them in preparation and consumption.
They informed us that Nosfun and Amphetamine are popular among school going children because they are easily available. Once hooked they get hooked to problems after problems. The domino effect is horrifying as they lead from theft to crimes and ailments.
I was surprised to find out that the various forms of gums shown above can be a source of addiction to children and was told that they get addicted to the ecstatic feelings when often in use.
The official also informed that drug pushers resort to all kinds of method to push the drug and often hideously placed them in cigarettes, bottles, can drinks and today I read in the newspapers that they even placed them in hair spray containers!
Syabu is evil. When consumed in quantities and for a long period, the brain shrinks. A small brain will mean less thinking matter?
The lungs become black and health is at stake.
Sores appear when you become HIV positive and they are big, ugly ones. Of course when your brain shrinks and you are not interested in your surroundings what are the sores to you?
Nothing seems right anymore. Families lament and cry at the dilemma and homes become disrupted and dispersed.
Sharing needles lead to a quick spread of HIV virus.
When at the last stage, an HIV victim may look like that and I was glad when some students commented that they would not want to look like that or even have a memory of her look ! Watery eyes and ugly sores.
Pregnant mamas face further trouble as the virus is passed down to their babies.
See, it's so explicit. Babies of HIV infected mothers are also sufferers if not carriers of the disease. The mannequins may not be living creatures but they are depictions of real sufferings and meaningless existence. I hope the students have a deep impression of the ill effects and stay away from the menace. It's every parent's nightmare to discover their children addicted to it.
So, be smart children and run away from this evil. Think wisely and do not waste a life meant for good living. Are you not afraid? Be afraid.
Another lass said bye at the end of the tour and reminded us about the lessons learnt in the vehicle.
Schools forbid smoking and they are not grounds for smokers.
Remember the stick will only lead to misery not meant for you.
Have a good day.
