Students participate in Lifeskills programme
By Maurice Garvey
PRIMARY schools in Ballyfermot have been implementing an early intervention and prevention programme over the last two years.
Students in fourth and fifth class as well as first year students in St Dominic’s have been taking part in the Botvin Lifeskills programme.
Pupils from St Gabriel's in Ballyfermot who are participating in the programme
The project is in conjunction with Family Matters ABC and Barnardos Northern Ireland in partnership with Ballyfermot Drugs Task Force, local youth services, school completion projects and local schools.
The Botvin Lifeskills programme was formally launched in Ballyfermot on Thursday, May 31, with the hope that more Dublin schools will take part.
It is billed as a highly effective early intervention and prevention programme which prevents risk taking behaviours in children and young people.
The programme has three core parts, self-management skills, social competence, and resistance training to help young people develop strategies for resisting peer pressure.
It also deals with self-esteem, emotional regulation, motivation, communication, social skills and ability to cope with stress.
Bernie Laverty, Coordinator with Family Matters said: “We are all aware through experience and research that alcohol and drugs have impacted negatively on children, young people and families in Ballyfermot over many years.
“We are delighted to work with the LDATF, all our school communities and youth services in implementing the Lifeskills programme with a firm belief that this will support our young people to make healthier decisions as they transition into adulthood.”
