STRENGTHENING YOUTH ENGAGEMENT IN DRUG PREVENTION

As part of the ongoing ISSUP Tanzania movement to promote evidence-based prevention and build national capacity, the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority conducted a specialized training on the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC): Youth Engagement in Drug Prevention from 20th to 24th October 2025 at the Amani Center, Kaloleni – Arusha.

The training brought together 32 participants from government institutions and civil society organizations, all committed to advancing scientifically grounded prevention initiatives. Its main objective was to strengthen participants’ competencies in designing and implementing effective, youth-centered drug prevention programs that align with global best practices and ISSUP’s mission of professionalizing the prevention workforce.

The sessions were facilitated by Mr. Shabani Miraji, a Prevention Specialist, and Mr. Said Madadi, a Senior Education Officer both are National Master Trainers under the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (CP-DAP). The opening ceremony was officiated by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Marijani Ally Mkope, representing the Arusha District Police Commander, who emphasized the importance of using evidence-based education to protect young people from drug use and related social challenges.

Throughout the five-day program, participants engaged in practical exercises, discussions, and interactive sessions focusing on innovative approaches to youth engagement, community outreach, and behavior change communication.

Impact:

This training forms a key milestone in advancing ISSUP Tanzania’s mission of expanding access to professional prevention education. The newly trained participants are expected to cascade the knowledge and skills gained to peers and practitioners within their institutions and communities, thereby expanding access, strengthening collaboration, and increasing the overall reach of evidence-based drug prevention efforts across the country.