A PREVENTIONIST AND HERO IN THE MAKING!

The inspiring journey of Adan Noor – INEP Plus graduate, cohort 3 (2025)

Adan Noor, a graduate of the INEP Plus Cohort 3 (2025) in Kenya, is a powerful example of how prevention education has the potential to transform not only individuals but entire communities. Hailing from Mandera County, a region in northern Kenya that is marginalized, Adan has risen above challenging circumstances to become a dedicated advocate for addiction prevention and recovery.

Mandera, located in Kenya’s northeastern region bordering Ethiopia and Somalia, spans over 25,991 km², making it one of the country’s largest counties. Like many parts of Kenya and East Africa, it faces a growing crisis of drug and substance abuse, particularly among youth aged 15 to 35. Contributing factors include high unemployment, cross-border trafficking, limited access to mental health services, low public awareness, and fewer professionals in the addiction field. The impact is severe - rising crime, school dropouts, gender-based violence, and family breakdowns.

Amid this reality, Adan has emerged as a beacon of hope. Armed with skills from the INEP Plus training, he works closely with schools, families, and community members to raise awareness, support individuals battling substance use, and implement prevention strategies rooted in compassion and evidence-based practice. He has become a trusted figure in his community - one who leads with empathy, integrity, and a commitment to healing lives.

Identified by Sammy Ombisa, one of the Global Master Trainers in the INEP Plus course in Kenya, Sammy remembers the phone call conversation that led Adan’s enrolment few months ago and now this is not just a story of personal victory; it is a reflection of what is possible when resilience, knowledge, dedication and action come together. He is a hero in the making - proof that local leadership can spark meaningful change, even in the most underserved areas and with limited resources.

Sammy remembers some of the sessions when Adan would attend the online sessions in the dark with only the laptop light on Adan’s face! A unique character that has now ended up bringing hope to the vast county. Through his efforts, a healthier, more hopeful future is being built in Mandera, one life at a time.