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“Educational curricula are among the most effective tools to deliver such vital messages and foster knowledge through structured learning processes,” he said. Alan Hama Saeed said.
Kurdistan Region’s Minister of Education, Alan Hama Saeed, affirmed on Thursday that public school programs in the Region have begun integrating targeted content to raise awareness about the dangers of narcotics and their devastating effects on individuals and society.
Speaking during a panel at the national anti-narcotics campaign launched in Erbil under the patronage of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, Minister Saeed emphasized the pivotal role education plays in early prevention.
“Educational curricula are among the most effective tools to deliver such vital messages and foster knowledge through structured learning processes,” he said.
Education as a Frontline Against Addiction
The Minister highlighted the school environment as a crucial formal social institution that can shape perceptions and instill awareness in students at a formative age.
“Schools hold a central responsibility in this campaign, and the role of teachers, administrative staff, and educational materials is key to ensuring the success of this mission,” he stated.
He further explained that the Ministry has reviewed and incorporated relevant topics at several levels of the curriculum to reach students comprehensively.
“We are evaluating not only what is included in textbooks but how the message is conveyed to students. In some cases, the way narcotics are introduced in discussions may be vague or even unintentionally enticing. That’s why this process needs careful guidance from trained specialists,” Saeed added.
Curriculum Enhancements Across Multiple Subjects
Minister Saeed specified that:
- The Grade 9 science textbook includes a dedicated unit discussing the physical and mental health consequences of narcotic substances.
- The Islamic education curriculum for Grades 9 and 10 addresses the religious implications and moral responsibility of avoiding substance abuse.
- The Grade 8 Arabic language textbook has been updated to touch on the theme of drug prevention, reinforcing the message through multiple academic lenses.
“We aim to ensure that students receive this message not just scientifically, but also ethically and spiritually,” the Minister said.
Teacher Training and Preventive Modules
Saeed also revealed that the Ministry has trained school instructors to lead awareness efforts during a special three-day program launched in 2022. This initiative, implemented at the start of every academic year, dedicates classroom time to teaching five core modules—all centered on the consequences of drug use.
“These sessions comprehensively cover the psychological, social, religious, and physical effects of narcotics,” he stated.
He noted that this structured approach empowers educators to serve not only as teachers but also as community guides in the fight against drug addiction.