UPC CORE Training of Trainers (TOT) – Tanga, Tanzania

The UPC CORE ToT held from 3–8 December 2025 in Tanga City was officially opened by the District Commissioner of Tanga City and later closed by the Tanga City Mayor, highlighting the strong government commitment to strengthening substance use prevention efforts. The training was facilitated by a dedicated team of trainers from the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) and the ISSUP Tanzania team, including Dr. Cassian Nyandindi, Shaban Miraji, and Deogratius Ramale. Organized by the Gift of Hope Foundation and funded by Foundation Botnar under the Tanga Yetu – Focus on Youth, Not Substance program, the sessions equipped participants with the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) CORE modules, focusing on prevention science, developmental theories, evidence-based interventions, ethics, and the implementation cycle.

The training aimed to build the capacity of practitioners to design, implement, monitor, and evaluate effective and evidence-based prevention programs tailored to the needs of their communities. Expectations were centered on empowering participants with practical skills, improving collaboration among prevention stakeholders, and elevating the overall quality of prevention work across the region. The event also served as an important platform for registering new ISSUP members, where participants were guided on how to access and utilize ISSUP’s global resources for continuous learning, networking, and professional development.

The impact of this training is anticipated to strengthen community-level prevention initiatives and enhance coordination among institutions working to address substance use, especially among youth. With renewed skills, a stronger professional network, and access to ISSUP resources, the trained practitioners are well positioned to champion evidence-based prevention and contribute meaningfully to creating healthier, safer, and more resilient communities in Tanga and beyond.