Howell: NCSA’s Project SOFT continues to reap success

The National Council on Substance Abuse’s (NCSA) Project SOFT (Safeguarding Our Future Today) continues to reap success, says chairman Hadford Howell.

Forty-four children graduated from the personal development programme on Saturday, learning new skills to help them transition from primary to secondary school.

During a ceremony held at the Eastern Caribbean Bible Camp in Ruby, St Philip, where the programme took place, Howell said he was pleased with the success the programme attained over the years.

He said the programme commenced in 2002 and since then more than 700 students participated.

Project SOFT is a one-week sleep-in camp programme that focuses on drug education, team building exercises and developing soft skills.

“Together, these experiences have, I believe, made all of our camp participants better persons in preparation for facing new challenges and  situations including meeting new teachers, making new  friends and developing new skills,” Howell said, adding that when he was preparing his remarks he structured it around the concept of a pearl.

“I felt that a pearl made a lot of sense. This five-letter word I have turned into an acronym to highlight my thoughts on how our graduates might best move forward in safety, peace and comfort in preparation for new experiences.”

Photo by Sheria Brathwaite

Howell said P stands for peer pressure and urged the students to avoid it at all costs. “Friends can be great but they can also lead you astray.”

The letter E, for experiences: “draw on your family’s experiences and community knowledge to help you do the right thing.”

The letter A stands for ambition and he encouraged the students to go after their goals, while R stands for the new responsibilities that would come as a secondary school student.

The letter L, Howell said, stands for listen, learn, lead and love. He said those were the combination to achieving success.

The NCSA chairman also encouraged the students to “pray daily, attend a church of your choice with family members, particularly Sunday School if it is offered. These actions  will help to keep you grounded during your school life and  beyond. Life is not always easy, but with God’s help and  your family’s and teachers’ guidance, you will be successful in whatever lawful field you choose to pursue”. (SZB)