Within the months of May and June 2024, Accord carried out anti-drug abuse workshops for some selected secondary schools in Rivers and Delta States, titled ‘Empowering Youths to Rise Above Drug Abuse.
This is aimed at educating and empowering young people to make informed choices, build resilience and overcome the challenges of drug abuse.
The workshops were attended by over 600 students from across six secondary schools in Rivers and Delta States. These include; Community Secondary School, Amadi-ama, Olu-Model Schools, Abuloma, Tam-Wills Secondary School, RufModel International School, Emuhu Community Secondary School, Community Secondary School, Okuru-Ama.
World Drug Day 2024
To commemorate the World anti-drug abuse day, Accord carried out school advocacy workshops for some selected secondary schools in Port Harcourt. The 2024 theme is titled ‘The Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention.
Key Takeaways
1. Understanding the impact of Drug Abuse:
The Accord’s facilitators provided an overview of the physical, mental and social consequences of drug abuse, dispelling common myths and misconceptions. Students gained a deeper understanding of how substance use can negatively impact their health, academic performance and relationships
2. Developing coping strategies:
Participants learned a variety of healthy coping mechanisms and life skills to manage stress, peer pressure and other risk factors that may lead to drug use
3. Fostering Resilience and Self-Esteem:
The workshops emphasized the importance of building strong self-esteem, setting positive goals and developing a sense of purpose.
4. Becoming Agents of Change:
Students were encouraged to become agents of change within their schools and communities. The Accord team pledged to set up drug abuse clubs in the various schools. Pledges were taken by anti-drug abuse advocates set up in the schools by Accord
The workshops have successfully equipped secondary school students with the tools and mindset to rise above the challenges of drug abuse. Participants expressed a renewed sense of empowerment, confidence and commitment to making healthy choices.
