GASD and Partners Launch Peer Educator Training of Trainers Workshop to Strengthen Substance Abuse Prevention Among Young People in Liberia

The Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD), Infoquest, Liberia Council of Church Desk in partnership with key national stakeholders, has commenced a two-day Peer Educator Training of Trainers Workshop under the Peer Education Program to Strengthen Substance Abuse Prevention Among Young People in Liberia.

The initiative is part of a broader national effort aimed at equipping youth leaders with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to promote drug prevention and awareness across Liberia. The program seeks to empower young people to take the lead in educating their peers on the dangers of drug use and the importance of making informed and positive life choices.

Participants at the training include representatives from youth-led organizations, community youth leaders, and grassroots change agents who play vital roles in influencing behavior and attitudes within their respective communities. Over the course of the two-day workshop, participants will engage in practical learning sessions, interactive discussions, and group activities designed to enhance their communication, facilitation, and advocacy skills.

According to GASD, the training is structured to provide evidence-based prevention education, aligning with international standards set by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Program. By integrating these global standards, the workshop ensures that Liberia’s youth prevention efforts are grounded in proven, effective methodologies.

Facilitators for the workshop include Christopher Saah Bangauo, an addiction professional and lead program facilitator; Eric Weah, a mental health and addiction professional from the Ministry of Health; and Moses Garzeawu, a seasoned media expert. Their combined expertise is helping to shape a cadre of well-trained peer educators committed to advancing substance abuse prevention and promoting healthier, drug-free communities across Liberia.

The Peer Education Program represents a significant step in building a sustainable, youth-driven prevention movement, fostering collaboration, leadership, and collective action to address the growing challenge of substance abuse among Liberia’s young people.