The Youth Advocates Zimbabwe study (2023) revealed some of the following disturbing patterns directly attributable to Alcohol Drug and Substance Abuse (ADS) abuse: 70% of gang violence is among school children; 40% of suicide attempts are linked to ADS abuse; and an increase in school dropouts with 60% having dropped out of school after being expelled for ADS abuse. Consumption of alcohol, drugs and other substances starts as early as adolescence. While the youngest user in the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network (ZCLDN) study was 14 years old, the median age of first drug use was 18 years old. Amongst the root causes of ADS abuse, one major cause cited was lack of adequate knowledge on ADS abuse. Since 2023, Operation Hope Trust International has been moving around targeted communities in Zimbabwe to train caregivers, community and church leaders, as well as youths and teens on various issues around ADS in an effort to reduce, and eventually eradicate, cases of ADS-related societal ills. Substance abuse within schools has been rife, leading to negative peer influence, an overwhelming amount of stress, and the ready availability of drugs in institutions of learning. It is essential to tackle this problem by providing educational initiatives, prevention programs, and support services for students facing challenges, creating a more supportive and healthy environment. According to a report by the Zimbabwe National Council for the Welfare of Children, approximately 40% of students in secondary schools have experimented with drugs, while 15% are regular users.

The campaigns, dubbed Youths Against Substance Abuse (YASA), are in response to the lack of adequate knowledge on effective ADS abuse management within communities. We seek to empower and educate stakeholders on the different ways to manage ADS abuse cases, from identification of possible abuse to the rehabilitation of an individual until they are reintegrated into society. The objective is to increase the knowledge of ADS abuse within communities until there is a marked reduction of ADS abuse amongst our target populations. The YASA program uses 3 approaches to deliver tailor-made sessions to various audiences:

1.    Informative sessions (where we sensitize groups on ADS abuse)

2.  Individual Deficit Model (where we empower our audience to internalize information delivered, training them to deal with the risk factors of ADS abuse at an individual level through various highly interactive sessions)

3.    Social Influence (where we equip leaders and societies to effectively manage ADS abuse cases by providing an enabling environment for positive choices and rehabilitation)

We are working in collaboration with mental health experts, leaders of rehabilitation centers, community leaders, heads of churches, and school heads in Zimbabwe to achieve our goal. Early intervention is key, and a comprehensive program will empower individuals to recognize the signs of addiction and seek help before it becomes a pervasive and destructive force. The establishment of the YASA Program is not merely a response to a crisis; it is an imperative for the well-being and resilience of our community. It is a beacon of hope, a testament to our commitment to the individuals and families affected by substance abuse, and a catalyst for positive, enduring change. By investing in such a program, we invest in the restoration of lives, the strength of our community, and the promise of a healthier, more vibrant future for all.