Educação e prevenção : a educação física como espaço preventivo ao uso de drogas

Abstract

The present study considers the difficulties in the prevention of drug use and for the purpose of developing a program of preventative action aimed at young people in the attempt to conceive a coherent and justifiable proposal directed at Brasilian youth, as per social demand. Fourteen meetings were held amongst the Physical Education classes, consisting of dynamic group activities such as games and debate, aimed at contributing to the formation of elementary and middle school youths in the Cariacica Municipality, region of Grande Vitória, Espírito Santo. Forming and applying a plan of intervention called “Project Possible Ways”, the study´s guiding principles are the concepts of vulnerabilities, social skills, youth leadership and empowerment. This study was sociological in approach and used qualitative and participatory research, data was collected via semi-structured interviews with participants of the prevention program combined with observations and notes from the field journal during and after the interventions of prevention proposals. The results were analysed by constructing codes from the speeches of subjects interviewed, using descriptions and narratives, according to Qualitative Research for Education (BOGDAN; BIKLEN, 1994). “Project Possible Ways” originated as a pilot and will be re-assessed with new editions, limitations will be observed and noted, also contemplating possible upgrades and improvements of the initial actions. Analysis of the interviews indicated that preventative proposals can contribute to the formation of youth when drugs is the working theme. Initiating and developing these discussions, by means of activities and games involving the realities and experiences of students, can enhance interpersonal relationships, contribute to new views and knowledge, as well as improve the school, student and class relationships of Physical Education.