Poppets
Who is the target group?
Preventing the problems of substance abuse can never start too early. The POPPETS Programme is grounded in the principle that the pre-school years are a crucial period for the development of a healthy, well-balanced personality. The intervention also draws on the successful use of puppetry and story telling to create awareness and educate young children in a highly effective and impactful manner.
This dynamic and powerful primary prevention and education programme equips five to nine-year olds with important information, not only about substance abuse, but also about HIV/AIDS and sexual abuse, in addition to teaching them basic but essential life skills. This forms the basis for adopting constructive, desirable behaviours by empowering young children with the knowledge and skills to counteract negative peer pressure and resist the allure of drugs and alcohol in favour of positive, healthy lifestyles.
Objectives of the programme
The specific objectives of the programme are to:
- Convey basic information about drugs and alcohol, and create an awareness of and teach children about the dangers of substance abuse,
- Enhance self-image and promote a positive, healthy sense of self-worth,
- Assist children to develop the necessary skills to resist peer pressure and the allure drugs and alcohol,
- Empower children to make informed decisions, to evaluate these decisions and take responsibility for their choices, and
- Encourage children to seek help when confronted with a problem, more especially if it is substance abuse related.
Programme Content
The POPPETS Programme comprises nine sessions, each focussing on a very specific theme with clear learning objectives, which can be used independently or in a specific sequence. The programme is usually presented over two months as part of the crèche, day care centre and pre- or primary school’s life orientation classes. Each session lasts between 30 and 45 minutes, the length of one class period, and commences with an ice breaker, usually a song or a game, which is followed by a story and various activities. Groups comprise one school class, and usually range in size from about 25 to 40 young learners. Children are captivated by three characters - Lollipop, Grandma and Tinman - in the following sessions:
Session 1: Feelings
This session focuses on the four basic emotions: happiness / joy, anger, fear and grief. Children explore these feelings and are taught to express their emotions in an appropriate and non-destructive manner.
Session 2: Self-Image
The focus is one enhancing each child’s sense of self-worth.
Session 3: Peer Pressure
Children are taught to understand what peer pressure is, how to say “no” and to take responsibility for their choices.
Session 4: Decision-Making
Children are encouraged to consider various issues of relevance and to make decisions about these issues. They are then taught how to evaluate their decisions.
Session 5: Drug and Alcohol Information
This session provides children with basic information about drugs and alcohol and the detrimental effects of substance abuse.
Session 6: Sexual Abuse Awareness
Children are taught about gender differences, sexual abuse, how to say “no” to unacceptable and inappropriate behaviour and ways in which they can protect themselves.
Session 7: HIV/AIDS Awareness
Children are provided with basic information about HIV/AIDS, how people become infected and how to protect themselves.
Session 8: Seeking Help
This session encourages children to ask for help when confronted with a problem.
Session 9: Putting it all Together
All the themes and lessons learnt in the previous sessions are highlighted and brought together in the final session.
Programme Costs
Please contact the Regional Office for the cost of the programme.
