WAM Abu Dhabi, May 13th, 2012 (WAM) -- An interactive workshop to teach students about the potentially life-threatening effect of drugs will go a long way in raising awareness about this burning issue, commented a UAE daily.

The workshop, organised by the British Embassy in partnership with Dubai Police and the Sheikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding, engages not only the students, but also the community on a range of activities.

"Engaging the community and reaching out to children before they come into contact with any form of addiction is a step in the right direction. Too many lives have been lost around the world to the menace of drugs and alcohol," the paper added.

"Students must be taught at an early age that life is too precious to waste and that their energies can be channelled towards activities that benefit society. Using a volunteer who speaks about his suffering due to drug addiction is also a good idea because it will help drive the point home and encourage students to stay as far away as possible from this scourge. The authorities must now make efforts to take this message to more schools so that all students benefit," the paper added.

WAM/ES/AM