I refer to the article 'Drug advice must target pre-teens' (Education Post, April 21). Strict discipline in a school has a healthy effect upon growing children. At home, a child is often coddled and allowed too much of his own way but in school he has to learn to obey. To combat drug abuse, schools should make education on values a focus. In general studies at primary level, there are many topics providing this focus, including 'responsibilities of community health; maintaining mental health; use of drugs and drug abuse; and effects of tobacco and alcohol on one's health'. Teachers, who have a great influence on a pupil's life, should inculcate moral values and virtues in every subject they teach. It is not what is poured into a student that counts, but what is planted. Plant in a child's life what is relevant, sustaining, enriching and true. Last year, UMAH International Primary School held a literary-musical competition. Our Primary Four to Six students participated in improvised speech, oratory and declamation. For the section on oration and improvised speech, topics focused on drug abuse, environmental protection and pollution in Hong Kong. Through this, our students learnt not only to give speeches fluently and with confidence but to deliver meaningful messages to their fellow students, parents and guests about a healthy society. An education system is not worth a great deal if it only teaches young people how to make a living and does not teach them how to be God-fearing people, how to live decently, be well-mannered, and how to learn and observe the etiquette of a good society. MOHAMED ALLI DIN Supervisor UMAH International Primary School