Drug Abuse

DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION & LIFE SKILLS PROGRAM

Rising Use: Alcohol, cannabis, codeine, and synthetic drugs are common among urban youth
Limited Services: Prevention programs are few. Treatment centres are overburdened
Root Causes: Unemployment, peer pressure, lack of life skills and positive activities.

Impact: School dropouts, crime, mental health issues, and HIV risk. Malawi’s youth face rising drug use, unemployment, and limited prevention services. Through DRAOO, we will reach 1,500 youth aged 15-24 with evidence-based drug prevention, life skills, and ICT training as positive alternatives.

Our Focus

Through school Anti-Drug Clubs, peer education, and community campaigns, we will reduce substance use by 25% among participants and build sustainable prevention systems. This aligns with the UNODC and AU Drug Control Plan.

Objectives

Raise Awareness: Educate youth on the dangers of drug abuse through workshops, campaigns, and digital media.
Prevent Initiation: Equip youth with life skills to resist peer pressure and make informed choices.
Provide Support: Establish counselling and peer mentoring programs for at-risk youth.
Empower Youth: Promote positive alternatives such as sports, arts, entrepreneurship, and vocational training.
Monitor Progress: Track changes in awareness, attitudes, and behaviour among participants.