𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐃 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦

Monrovia, Liberia — The Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD) has taken a major step toward tackling substance abuse in schools with the rollout of Liberia’s first evidence-based, school-based prevention intervention.

The initiative officially began with an inception meeting bringing together the Prevention Leadership Action Team (PLAT), a diverse group comprising school administrators, PTA members, alumni representatives, students, and GASD staff. The session focused on orienting stakeholders to the program’s framework, including the Terms of Reference (TOR) and implementation timeline.

At the center of the initiative is the Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE) School-Based Intervention Program, a comprehensive approach designed to equip students with essential personal, interpersonal, and drug resistance skills. The program adopts a participatory model, ensuring that schools and communities are actively involved in shaping and sustaining prevention efforts.

As part of the rollout, GASD will conduct a thorough review of existing school substance abuse policies and work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop updated, evidence-based policies. In addition, the program will introduce a structured prevention curriculum and train teachers to effectively deliver it, while also promoting widespread awareness and adoption of the new policies within the school environment.

The SAFE Program aligns with international best practices and meets global standards consistent with the Universal Prevention Curriculum. Its design is informed by student survey data, archival research, and direct input from the PLAT, ensuring that interventions are tailored to the specific realities within schools.

The program also emphasizes a three-pronged strategy focusing on school policy, school climate, and prevention curriculum. By addressing these core areas, GASD aims to create a supportive environment that fosters healthy decision-making and reduces the risk of substance use among students.

The pilot phase is being implemented in partnership with Tubman High School, with strong leadership from Principal James Fallah and the school’s focal point for the initiative, James Kessellie. Their collaboration has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for the program’s success.

GASD’s SAFE Program Manager, Christopher Saah Bangoau, is leading the initiative, underscoring the organization’s commitment to advancing evidence-based solutions to pressing public health challenges.

Through this pioneering effort, GASD aims not only to address substance abuse in schools but also to establish a sustainable model that can be expanded nationwide, ultimately contributing to healthier, safer learning environments across Liberia.https://web.facebook.com/GASD2030