1. 1
INTRODUCTION
Conscientization or 'critical consciousness' is a popular education and social concept
developed by Brazilian pedagogue and educational theorist Paulo Freire. Critical
consciousness focuses on achieving an in-depth understanding of the world, allowing for the
perception and exposure of social and political contradictions. It also includes taking action
against the oppressive elements in one's life that are illuminated by that understanding. The
term was popularised by Paulo Freire in his 1970 work Pedagogy of the oppressed.
As part of 2 year B. Ed course, a conscientization programme on Drug Addiction was
conducted in the school during our teaching practice. Schools are an important setting for
interventions aimed at preventing the use of drugs among adolescents. A range of school-
based interventions have been developed to prevent or delay the onset of drug use, most of
which are targeted to middle-school students. Most of these interventions seek to reduce risk
factors for drug use at the individual level, whereas other interventions also address social
and/or environmental risk factors. Not all interventions that have been developed and
implemented have been found to be effective. In-depth analyses have indicated that to be
most effective, interventions should be theory driven, address social norms around drug use,
build personal and social skills helping students resist pressure to use drug, involve
interactive teaching approaches, use peer leaders, integrate other segments of the population
into the program, be delivered over several sessions and years, provide training and support
to facilitators, and be culturally and developmentally appropriate. Additional research is
needed to develop interventions for elementary-school and high-school students and for
special populations.
2. 2
OBJECTIVES
To develop a deep sense of awareness among students on drug addiction.
To increase student interest in the prohibition of drugs.
To make students aware of the causes and effects of drugs in our life.
PROCEDURE
As part of B. Ed curriculum, we were asked to conduct a conscientization programme
during our teaching practice. In order to seek the permission from the school authority, we
gave a concern letter to the Vice Principal. Thus we got the permission from the school to
conduct this programme on 11th January 2019. Therefore, we (Gifty Hillary, Mary Latha, and
Merin D’cruz) as a group, conducted an awareness class on Drug Addiction in the class 7D
during the 3rd period, which is from 9:45 am to 10:15 am. We took the class with the
assistance of power point presentation. At first, we divided the class into three sessions. The
first session was taken by Gifty Hillary, the second session by Mary Latha and the third
session by Merin D’cruz.
In the first session, Gifty Hillary gave an introduction about drugs and addiction. She
also talked about the causes of drug addiction. Then she dealt with different stages that occur
in a person when he/she starts to use any drug. She explained all the four stages in detail.
After that Mary Latha continued the class by mentioning the names of some drugs.
She described about its side effects as well as the consequences of drug addiction. Then she
talked about the injuries and health problems that occurs while using drugs. At last, she
explained the effect of drug on the brain, the behavioural problems and the birth defects that
can arise as a result of the use of drugs.
3. 3
The final session was dealt with Merin D’cruz. She pointed out some solutions for
overcoming drug addiction. She also gave them instructions on how to cope with drug
cravings. We concluded the class by showing a short film named The Drug, which is based
on drug addiction.
IMPACT OF CONSCIENTIZATION PROGRAMME
Students became aware about drugs and addiction.
They got a vivid idea about the dangers of using drugs.
They became conscious about the various stages through one goes on while using
drugs.
They are informed about the injuries and health problems that occur while using
drugs.
They became familiar with the causes and effects of drug addiction.
They appreciated the concept of prohibition of drugs.
They got a clear perceptive about the side effects as well as the consequences of drug
addiction.
They became acquainted about the harmful effect of drug on the brain.
They became sensible about the behavioural problems of a drug addict.
They were made familiar with the birth defects that can occur when one uses drugs.
CONCLUSION
It’s important to understand that high school students are at a critical age where they
are looking to form their own opinions about the world around them. Alcohol and other drugs
are common in high school, and it is essential that students are properly educated about the
facts surrounding them - including what steps to take to reduce potential harms. Many people
are unaware about how preventable things such as drug overdose are, or how to help someone
4. 4
experiencing an overuse of drugs. With the knowledge of how to use drugs safely as well as
how to help peers, teens will be able to make smarter and safer decisions as they enter
adulthood.
Additionally, a form of open education where dialogue about drug use is purely fact
based will hopefully create a population of informed parents who are more likely to talk
about drugs in the same manner with their own kids. By providing comprehensive drug
education to young people while their brains are still mouldable, national drug use could
decrease and students will find themselves more prepared for the future ahead of them.
