"Anti-drug campaigns in posters" exhibition to start tomorrow (with photos)
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     As the designated government archives, the Government Records Service (GRS) not only selects, retains and preserves records of historical value, it also provides access and reference to archival records for the public, the Director of Administration, Miss Jennifer Mak, said today (December 20).

     Officiating at the opening ceremony of the "Anti-drug campaigns in posters" exhibition organised by the Public Records Office of the GRS, Miss Mak pointed out this important role played by the GRS. Showcasing selected anti-drug posters and related archival holdings from the 1950s, the exhibition provides a review of the concerted efforts of the Government and community organisations in combating drugs.

     Miss Mak said that the Government had been striving to promote public awareness and use of Hong Kong's documentary heritage. To this end, and to make the exhibition more complete, an online Reference Resource Page in the GRS' website (www.grs.gov.hk) has been developed to provide useful educational resources (including anti-drug documents, photos and publicity footages) for members of the public.

     "I believe that these educational resources will be of particular reference value to teachers and students pursuing liberal studies, history and civic education under the New Senior Secondary Curriculum," she said.

     "Government posters have been a direct and appealing way of promoting awareness of a campaign and give publicity to policies and activities. The poster collection of the Public Records Office will not only provide an excellent review of various government publicity campaigns, but also reflect the changes in design and communication strategies of government posters over the years," she added.

     Also present at the opening ceremony was the Chairman of the Preventive Education and Publicity Sub-committee of the Action Committee Against Narcotics, Ms Scarlett Pong Oi-lan.

     Ms Pong said, "Preventive education and publicity is a principal measure among our anti-drug strategy. Over the years, the Action Committee Against Narcotics and the Government, having regard to the latest trends of drug abuse and changes in the social environment, have made use of multi-faceted approaches to enhance public alertness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.

     "This year, we make use of young people's language for our publicity slogan 'Stand firm. Knock drugs out'. To tie in with the latest trend of drug abuse and to alert young people not to fall into the trap of drug abuse during Christmas and New Year celebrations, we have launched a new series of anti-drug posters. Key messages for dissemination include 'Abusing cough medicine/thinner = drug abuse' and 'Sharing drugs is drug trafficking'. You can have a look at this new series of posters in this exhibition," she said.

     Members of the public are welcome to view the exhibition at the Exhibition Hall, second floor, the Hong Kong Public Records Building, 13 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, starting from tomorrow. It will be open from 9am to 5.45pm from Mondays to Fridays (except public holidays). Admission is free.

Ends/Monday, December 20, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:07

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