The campaign is being run in collaboration with the Central Student Council (CSR). Manish Jhinkoe-Rai, chair of the CSR, believes the campaign could be a fun challenge for students. According to Jhinkoe-Rai, having a drink now and then is not harmful: “But do be aware of the consequences of large-scale and frequent alcohol consumption.” He hopes to promote this awareness through the campaign. The chair believes there will be widespread support for the campaign: “The UvA is a progressive and modern university.”
Most of the students we speak to show little enthusiasm for an alcohol-free month, but student Robert Slager does think that many students will take part. “I do think support will be high, but I think some people won’t manage to stick with it.” His half-brother Mica Slager agrees, but thinks that very many students will not finish it. “A week or two, and then they’ll give up.”
Student Loïs Menges also enjoys a drink, “but I do think it’s healthy to say: I’m not drinking for a while.” To avoid temptation, no alcohol will be served throughout January at the CSR’s own events.
Drinks can still be ordered at UvA events themselves. Jhinkoe-Rai hopes that at least one thousand students will take part in the campaign.
More information about national campaigns such as Dry January can be found at www.ikpas.nl
Source: NH Nieuws.