AID grant to the National Parents" Resource Institute for Drug Education, Inc. (PRIDE) for a Belize drug awareness program

PRIDE will establish a small field office in Belize to implement the project. PRIDE"s first priority will be to support establishment of a National Drug Awareness Action Committee (DAAC) of community leaders. DAAC, which will have chapters in each of Belize"s six districts, will coordinate activities by all concerned private groups and help channel project assistance to these groups. PRIDE will provide both technical and material assistance to the involved groups (and possibly to Belizean government agencies) in promoting pro-health, anti-drug programs. A resource center will be established to supply the groups with printed and audiovisual materials, drug information, and lists of speakers and treatment facilities. The center will publish a quarterly newsletter with information on available materials, group activities, coming events, and latest research findings. PRIDE will also use mass media to disseminate drug awareness information - possibilities include both promotional spots and lengthier programs (e.g., soap operas). In addition, a baseline survey will be conducted to identify high-risk areas, where especially strong efforts will be made to organize parents" groups and to find ways of reaching youngsters not living with their parents. PRIDE will also conduct training of youth leaders, PTA"s, and school principals, as well as workshops for other professionals, including medical personnel, teachers, and the clergy, regarding their responsibilities with respect to drug abuse awareness. Participating civic and church groups will be urged to create alternative activities for Belizean youth. Amendment of 6/1/87 finances Phase II of the project. Activities include: continuing collaboration with community groups; promoting the anti-drug campaign in primary schools; training change agents; strengthening PRIDE staff, resource center, and information systems; developing a media program; and transferring long-term project responsibility to the Belizean government. (PD-FBC-710) Amendment of 3/90 authorizes Phase III. (Abstract taken from Phase IV Amendment) Amendment of 3/15/91 authorizes Phase IV. Efforts will continue in the areas of: (1) developing PRIDE"s institutional capability through TA and training geared to staff, procedural, and administrative improvements; (2) promoting knowledge and awareness of the dangers of drug use, especially among primary and secondary school students, through media campaigns, resource centers, and early intervention programs; (3 gathering and disseminating information on the extent of drug use and the effectiveness of drug control programs; and (4) promoting change in cultural values and attitudes, especially by fostering public and private policies in regard to alcohol and other drugs (e.g., promoting drug-testing, employee assistance programs, and more responsible advertising. (PD-ABC-645)