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The ECOWAS Volunteer Programme (EVP) Sierra Leone, in partnership with the Youth and Children Empowerment Forum Africa (YCEF Africa), held a youth dialogue and awareness-raising campaign on drug abuse and addiction on 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 awareness-raising campaign on drug abuse and addiction from 18 to 19 January, at the Ministry of Planning & Economic Development (MoPED), and in two communities (Waterloo and Dwazark), respectively. On 18 January, a consultation was held at the MoPED Conference Hall, involving a broad range of participants. The dialogue was attended by 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 various youth groups. The dialogue culminated in knowledge-sharing on the way forward regarding the problem of drug abuse and addiction. A media engagement and community awareness-raising event was subsequently held on 19 January. Waterloo and Dwazark were chosen due to 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 took part in the community engagement session. The risks of drug use, 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 spoke about the difficulties they faced. Guidance was sought and experiences were shared.