Tongan secondary students were warned of drug dealers and the effects of drug use at a lecture held at the Kalofiama 'O Epworth Hall on Friday March 28, in Nuku’alofa.

The Tonga Mental Health and Disabilities Association joined by the Ministry of Education and Training with support from the Tonga Police co-hosted the program which was attended by many students and teachers from various secondary schools in Tongatapu.

The Mental Health and Disabilities Association stated the program targeted sixth and seventh formers to inform them of the effects of drugs on mental health after information received by the police that drug sellers are now targeting students at the schools' sports days. 

The program is also aimed to drive public awareness that mental illness can affect anyone and the program hopes to bring together different people and groups to work towards helping people with mental illness in Tonga. A second program will be held on April 25, according to the Association.

Students listened to keynote-speakers that included Tongatapu People Representative Dr Sitiveni Halapua and Head Psychiatrist Dr Mapa Puloka with Police Inspector Latu Lavaki.

Inspector Latu said they had received information there were some people who are targeting students to distribute marijuana to and for them. They are not only aiming to distribute marijuana for students to use but for students to further distribute the illicit drugs in the communities.

He said since it is their job to safeguard lives and youths are the future of Tonga, police is now visiting secondary schools in Tongatapu to talk about the bad effects of drugs with support from the Ministry of Education.

Meanwhile, key-note speaker Dr Puloka talked about mental health to students explaining the definition behind the term, symptoms, the effects of drugs among other important issues enlightening their knowledge on the issue. The public listened to the live broadcast on a local 89.5FM station.

The Tonga Mental Health and Disabilities Association is headed by chairman Leonaitasi Hoponoa with Executive Members.

The event was held Kalofiama ‘O Epworth Hall on Tu’i Road.