EDUCATION COMES FIRST

It's good that the government is giving an additional $8 million to
help teenagers treat their drug addictions.

This will allow more people to be trained to help the youth in their
treatment programs.

However, I don't agree with the needle exchange program.

I know that this program reduces the spread of hepatitis, AIDS/HIV,
and other diseases that are transmitted through needles, but I think
that by getting teens to exchange used needles for new ones, they are
encouraging the addicted youth to keep on taking drugs.

My parents have taught me to not take drugs, cigarettes,
etc.

I believe that more money should be put into educating kids to abstain
from drugs in the first place, before they get to the point of addiction.

Emily Wong

Grade 5

Surrey