UNODC and LCIF expand the Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence programme to Slovenia

8 September 2022, Ljubljana, Slovenia: UNODC and the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) in collaboration with the Slovenian Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, launched the social and emotional prevention programme "Lions Quest Skills for Adolescence" (LQSFA) in Slovenia building on the successful results of the programme in the region. 

The LQSFA programme was initially launched in South-Eastern Europe in 2014 and gradually expanded to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Croatia reaching more than 10000 students in over 180 elementary schools across the region. Following a strict evidence-based implementation modality, the programme proved to be effective and showed encouraging results in substance use reduction, the intention to use drugs and dissuasive effects on the engaged students on substance use in their local environment. 

Additionally, the results of the LQSFA programme inform and support the UNODC-WHO International Standards on drug use prevention by providing information on programme implementation in low- and middle-income countries. The proved effectiveness of the LQSFA programme builds a case for the future expansion of the programme both regionally and globally. 

Upon delivery of the programme in Slovenia, the effectiveness of the strategy will be evaluated and its results included in the final report along with comments on the cultural adaptation, the implementation modality and the material for further consideration by Slovenian counterparts.  

This activity contributes to SDG Target 3.5 on preventing and treating substance abuse.

https://sdg-tracker.org/good-health