Meet the Dominicans Against Drugs
The Dominicans Against Drugs (DAD); an anti-drug group based in the community of Castle Bruce. Initiated and founded by other non-governmental organizations and supported by Castle Bruce Ministries, The Dominicans Against Drugs grew into quite the club; another club operating hand in hand with The National Drug Prevention Unit. It has organized countless activities since its existence all targeting the youth and getting them involved in something positive. Further more; the DAD Group always seeks to live up to its motto: “Youth taking the initiative to make a positive difference.” The Drug Epidemic is something Executive Leader, Josanna Lockhart has handled quite delicately. Along with supporting members, she believes that Dominicans really can go up against drugs… and win. The activities and programs that the group has put in place through out the community have made it well known and the progress made attracts more and more support of course.
Strength in numbers
Like
links on a chain, DAD operates in symphony along side organizations such as
Lifeline Network International, FAIRS (Foundation for Amateur International
Radio Station), Castle Bruce Ministries and the National Drug Prevention Unit
of Dominica. Those,m plus
the several program outlets for the youth to get involved and stand up tall
against the drug issue in
Subgroups of DAD
Dominicans Against Drugs’ format was developed exclusively to give all members an equal opportunity to get involved effectively. (KFC) Kids For Christ is the youngest of the three segments; a division in which young children are taught good morals and values through the word of God. Such a venture is effective in particular seeing that it’s so early in the children’s lives. I prefer looking at it as preparation for the future ahead, knowing the detrimental effects of drugs. It is also preparation for DAD’s intermediate segment. Junior DAD comprises of older youth ages 13-15; very active predominantly since most of them are secondary school students. Also on the list is Senior DAD where older members are most effective in representing the group in various events and programs.
Driving Force Behind the Vision
It was those informal meetings that the concept for the group was birthed. The Dominicans Against Drugs represented a positive confession on the country on a whole. It was also designed to encourage the group members to think big. This group was not about affecting their intermediate settings but the wider country in general maybe eventually the global community.
Crusade Against Drugs with Loads Events and Programs
It may not be a decade old but the Dominicans Against Drugs has built up quite a history of events and are currently running several programs. Past events include the Massive Camp Fire at the Castle Bruce Bay, Tea Party for the elderly, KFC’s Easter egg hunt, Junior DAD’s visits to the elderly just to name a few. DAD has increased its number of programs over the years. One of it’s earliest to be initiated was DASH DAD’s After School Help; a program started exclusively for the students who need help in their homework and in research and printing of assignments. “We embrace the notion of always being there to help especially the young individuals. We believe that if they spend more time studying, then this could mean less time in a community full of drugs. This is why DAD was formulated.” Josanna would often say. DASH branched out to form an Internet Café; a fund raising venture for the group itself. Attached to this is the Players’ Crib, which is an environment, created by DAD for contained entertainment for patrons as an outlet in an effort of keeping individuals away from drugs or just being idle.
DAD Advances on!
Though the anti-drug phenomenon continues, as the Dominicans Against Drugs go on, the fact is that it is not so much of a small informal ensemble anymore. It’s grown; grown large enough to become an independent organization. Proceeding in the venture to evolve is something anticpated by the entire group for a very long time. Making itself larger will surely make DAD well know around the anti-drug community, the country and by extention, the world. The fact is… the Dominicans Against Drugs are, and will continue to be against drugs. Presently, bylaws and organisational rights are being formulated for the group. It will take a new and formal format, complete with a Board of Directors, an executive and representing members of the segments and programs of the group. Recently, DAD has been granted full ownership of a Monday afternoon feeding program.
Future Projects
In that same notion of “advancing on”, DAD is in the process of initiating a few projects which will help the young individuals in need of trainings in various arts and skills; another way of keeping them off idle streets and away from drugs.
For one, the Dominicans Against Drugs is forming a radio club. Any young individual who partakes in this venture will be taught how to use ham radios and basic in building skills on managing a radio club.
Also on the list is an Agricultural Training program scheduled to begin in January; a program where 6 young individuals will be trained in the three aspects of agriculture: Rabbit Rearing, Greenhouse cultivation and outdoor farming.