|
Prevention in Windhoeks’ Schools |
| |
| Project Field |
Prevention |
| |
| Context |
The problem of alcohol, drugs and other related substance abuse is a grave matter of concern in Namibia. The Nationwide KAP Baseline Survey on Alcohol and Drug Use and Abuse in Namibia (2002) established that 55.6% of adult Namibians currently drink. It further revealed that 47.9% of the respondents felt that they had drunk more than was good for them on a regular basis. In addition, Namibia is ranked as one of the highest African countries in terms of binge drinking amongst teenagers. Drug abuse is also on the increase among young people. Indeed, the study conducted on substance consumption among the youth in Namibia (1998) showed that 50% of youth in the age group of 13-16 years have experimented with alcohol. This is a high percentage, reflecting high societal permissiveness and acceptance as well as easy access to alcohol.It has become crucial for Blue Cross Namibia to address this issue and assist those young people who are both directly and indirectly affected by alcohol and substance abuse. |
| |
| Project |
The “Schools Awareness Creation” project provides regular prevention sessions in high schools on topics related to alcohol and substance abuse. It also organizes youth rallies regrouping youth from all high schools in Windhoek in order to raise awareness on alcohol and other drugs. In addition, Blue Cross Namibia provides after school activities to students to offer alternatives to roaming and experimenting with drugs and alcohol during their free time as it is often currently the case. The project also offers individualized support to students directly and indirectly affected by alcohol and substance abuse. A counseling room is available at the office of BC Namibia for students at risk, and “Self development camps” are organized for these youngsters to enable them to focus on alternative “healthy” activities, and providing them with an opportunity to interact with peers experiencing similar difficulties.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT RESULTS OF BLUE CROSS NAMIBIA BY READING THE ANNUAL REPORT 2009 ON PAGE 11… |
| |
| Project Goal |
This project concentrates on young people aged 13-17 from three high schools in Windhoek. It targets the general population of the three schools (approximately 3000 students), through its awareness campaigns, as well as youth directly or indirectly affected by alcohol and substance abuse through its counseling component. |
| |
| Duration |
01.07.2009 – 30. 06. 2012 |
| |
| Budget |
EURO 91’400 (for first year pilot phase) |
