The Editor, Sir:

Over the past weeks the issues of HIV/AIDs and continuing bad behaviour in schools have been taking the spotlight in the media and in general conversation. Multimillion-dollar campaigns are now running and many worthwhile initiatives have been launched to combat these problems and their devastating outcomes. It must be acknowledged, however, that in spite of these excellent cumulative efforts, the scourges still linger.

It must also be acknowledged that although there is a considerable reservoir of data with respect to the positive impact exposure to Christian values has on the lives of our children and young people, this alternative is not being given very much attention. I imagine that because of the nature of the alternative, the popular view is to 'leave it to the Church'. As an active member of a church with a vibrant youth programme and being a media practitioner as well, I understand the cost implications of developing and producing the kind of all-media programming that is required to spread a message in our technological age. I know as well that it is not by accident that multibillion- and multimillion-dollar media campaigns are waged to sell products and ideas or to transmit important messages to the populace. It would serve us well, as a nation, if we could provide similar exposure to the faith-based approach.

It is no secret that research results coming out of institutions like Indiana University, University of Michigan, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Barna Research Group and The National Institute for Healthcare Research keep coming up with one consistent potent factor for 'what works' in improving the lives of young people and it is "active participation in a faith-based commu-nity" - Sabbath/Sunday School, church-based youth activities - Girls/Boys Brigade, Scouting, Guiding, Good News Clubs, Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship, etc.

The results of study after study have indicated that children and young people who actively engage in a faith community on a regular basis are rewarded with SIGNIFICANTLY reduced likelihood of problems and risks, and improved odds of a happier, healthier, longer life. Interestingly, these studies show the same results for adults as well. More specifically, this intervention offers:

Increased average life expectancy

Significantly reduced risk of use/abuse of alcohol, tobacco and drugs

Dramatically lower risk of suicide

Help in rebounding from depres-sion 70 per cent faster

Dramatically reduced risk for committing a crime

Reduced risk of rebelliousness

Less likelihood of early sexual activity or promiscuity and

A life-long moral compass

Further, a study commissioned by the Center for Research on Religion and Urban Civil Society revealed that students from poor neighbourhoods who attend church regularly are less likely to engage in violent behaviour and perform better academically.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (local survey) - looking at urban youth and drugs - has found that there is a much lower incidence of drug use among religious youth, with a high percentage keeping away from even cigarette smoking and Dr. Maureen Samms-Vaughan - in her book Serving Adolescents and Youth - indicates that: Faith-based youth lead a more productive lifestyle than their counterparts. Anecdotal evidence abounds to bear this out. A prominent media manager told me recently that some 95 per cent of the children and young people who qualified for a place on a programme featuring brilliant young Jamaicans had a faith base. Even a cursory glance at the results of examinations ranging from GSAT to national scholarship awards bear this out as well.

I think the time has come for our leaders in both the private and the public sector to begin to seriously consider assisting churches or para-church organisations in developing this alternative. May I also use the opportunity to appeal to the media to be more supportive of efforts that promote this lifestyle - it will go a far way in bringing real life to our nation.

I am, etc.,

Lois Gayle

Coordinator,

Sunday School for life

loisegayle@yahoo.com