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09:41 GMT, Tuesday, 23 September 2008 10:41 UK

Mexican children's view of drugs

Drawing by schoolchild in Michoacan, Mexico

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So far this year, some 3,000 people have died in drugs-related violence in Mexico. Drawings by children aged 11 to 15 at a school in Michoacan show how they view the problem. Leanne depicts the link between drugs and death.

Drawing by schoolchild in Michoacán, Mexico

Drawing by schoolchild in Michoacán, Mexico

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"This is a schoolyard and I drew it because even in schools children are taking drugs. More and more people are getting addicted. If we have a friend who takes drugs we have to help him." - Valeria

Drawing by schoolchild in Michoacán, Mexico

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"If parents don’t take care of them, children and young people can get addicted to drugs. The mother is crying because her daughter has got hooked." - Grecia

Drawing by schoolchild in Michoacán, Mexico

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"People get involved in drugs because they are poor, or because they have family problems. They also get into crime so they can get drugs. I drew the police who come to defend the kids." - Julio

Drawing by schoolchild in Michoacán, Mexico

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"Because teachers don’t pay enough attention, pupils can take drugs as they leave school. They do it because of the stress of school, or because of family problems or depression." - Jose Salvador

Drawing by schoolchild in Michoacán, Mexico

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"I drew the traffickers selling drugs to kids. I drew them to show what’s happening in some places because parents don't take care of their children." - Josue

Drawing by schoolchild in Michoacán, Mexico

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"This is a face with two eyes, one has been hit and shows the pain of people around, while the eye-patch represents the pain of the addict. Although a lot of people cry out their pain, nobody says anything." - Elizabeth

Drawing by schoolchild in Michoacán, Mexico

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"The skull and crossbones symbolise that his heart is dead, and his eyes are red because he is already very ill. I put the question marks because nothing is known of his life because he’s taking drugs." - Luis

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Related to this story:
Mexicans' drug trade fears grow (22 Sep 08 | Americas )