Although there is no underage drinking and smoking in Ngerkebesang hamlet, COSAP wants the kids’ minds to be as far away from alcohol and tobacco as possible.
“Now that it’s summer and kids are not in school, we want the kids to stay away from stores that are selling alcohol and tobacco,” said Michael Meyar, Chairman of COSAP. “We want the kids to have some activities to get busy on instead of thinking about buying alcohol and cigarettes.’
One of their activities is to provide materials for the kids to paint and do art on. Their artworks will replace the alcohol and tobacco advertisements that COSAP are determined to ban and remove.
Clarence Saka, legislator of Ngerkebesang, and Chiba Shiro, Youth Representative from Ngerkebesang, are on hand to help Meyar with his programs.
“It was wise for us to approach them and ask them for help about what activities we will do for the kids during the summer,” said Meyar.
Meyar just had the first meeting with the Legislator, and he said it will be the first of many. They will be holding meetings in the next four months to monitor the progress of the program. He added that they plan to implement the programs right away.
The rest of the activities that COSAP plans to do with the communities is “Meet your Legislator” to present petitions, as well as to organize “Day in the Capitol” event for all community members to learn all about alcohol and tobacco taxes.
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