Frames – not rules
At CICD we say that we do not have rules. Rules imply prohibition and, many times, do not promote the understanding of the issue. Instead we call them“frames” - like the frames around an empty canvas. Within the frames our goals can be achieved in several colourful ways.
To ensure the best possible conditions for you and your team-mates to learn and achieve as much as possible in our programmes, the teachers council has from the start set frames regarding alcohol and drug use:
- When you participate in one of our courses, you cannot drink any alcoholic beverages while carrying out the programme. The only exception is when you are away from the school for a private visit, eg. during an Open Weekend or holiday. During the service period in Africa or India, the alcohol frame applies the entire time.
- Nobody who participates in one of the programmes can be involved with euphoric or narcotic substances. This applies all the time - when you are at CICD, travelling, visiting family or in Africa or India.
- Former drug users must have been free of heavy drugs for a minimum of 18 months before the programme starts.
The main arguments for our frames are:
Re. 1 and 2) Drugs and alcohol is a hindrance to the implementation of the programme and an impediment to the social life and comradeship between students and teachers. Moreover, our programmes all have a Service Period in either an African country or in India – mostly in areas with extreme poverty and often with problems with alcohol and drug abuse...and in some cases, also with severe punishment for possession of drugs.
Re. 3) The experiences have shown that students who have been drug addicts have the best possibilities of completing the programme to their full benefit when they have been free of drugs for a longer duration before starting.
The political reasons for our“no drugs, no alcohol”policy
The predominant culture of western societies relies on the use of alcohol and drugs. The same goes for many countries in Africa and parts of India. Drinking alcohol is socially accepted, while drugs are penalized and its consumers are - many times – marginalized. However, the fact is that both alcohol and drugs can have extremely negative impacts on human beings' lives, on families, as well as on communities and societies. At CICD we promote an environment free of alcohol and drugs, and strive to build a different kind of culture – an active and positive contra-culture!
Promoting a clean environment
Problems related to alcohol and drugs are easy to find within our modern societies. We want CICD to be an inclusive community, where people are not sidelined or divided because of alcohol. We also want to be able to welcome youngsters who need extra support into our Future Course programme.
At CICD we are Activists!
During one of our programmes you will study and experience many different realities, injustices, poverty and unequal life conditions. And it doesn't stop there – you will also take action, involving yourself in needed community activities while at CICD and put your knowledge and training to good use at one of the development projects in Africa or India during the Service Period.
As global citizens and as activists, this culture helps us do our best while working to develop life in our community at CICD, as well as helping to create development for people in Africa and India.
