The ECOWAS Volunteer Programme (EVP) Sierra Leone in partnership with the Youth and Children Empowerment Forum Africa (YCEF Africa) held a youth dialogue and sensitization campaign on drug abuse and addiction from the 18 - 19 January
The ECOWAS Volunteer Programme (EVP) Sierra Leone in partnership with the Youth and Children Empowerment Forum Africa (YCEF Africa) held a youth dialogue and sensitization campaign on drug abuse and addiction from the 18 - 19 January, at the Ministry of Planning & Economic Development (MoPED), and across two communities (Waterloo and Dwazark), respectively.
On 18 January, a consultation was held at the MoPED Conference Hall which involved a broad spectrum of participants. The dialogue had representatives from the ECOWAS National Office, the National Director of Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN), the CEO of YCEF, the Programme Officer of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), the EVP Country Coordinator, and a cross-section of representatives from diverse youth groups. The dialogue culminated in knowledge sharing on the way forward on the problem of drug abuse and addiction.
A media engagement and community sensitization event was subsequently held on January 19. Waterloo and Dwazark were singled out because of the high concentration of drug (Kush) users in the area. With the help of facilitators and a medical specialist, around 100 members of both communities were included in the community engagement. The risks of drug usage, including the effects on one's health and finances, were explained to the participants. The events led to an open dialogue about drug-related concerns, during which the participants expressed their difficulties. Guidance was sought and experiences were exchanged.
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