DR Congo: Prevention of drug use in schools

The experimental phase of the school drug use prevention programme by young people and for young people, organised by the CNPWUD, was a great success in the ten schools of the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. More than 5,000 young people were educated about the dangers of drugs through interactive workshops and facilitated discussions that addressed the harmful consequences of illicit substance use. Speakers, including health professionals and youth ambassadors, shared their experiences and provided valuable information on the risks associated with drugs. At the same time, 50 student representatives were trained in prevention methods, enabling them to acquire effective tools to raise awareness among their peers. These young leaders were encouraged to implement initiatives within their schools, thus promoting a healthy environment conducive to development. The commitment of students, teachers and parents was instrumental in the success of this initiative, which not only raised awareness among young people about the dangers of drugs, but also strengthened community ties around prevention. The feedback from the participants was extremely positive, highlighting the importance of such actions to combat drug use in schools in the city of Goma. This activity marked a significant step towards creating a drug-free future for the youth of Goma. To learn more about the DRC's drug prevention program https://forms.gle/GVo8zrcEsGCKZuna9