Since its origin in 2016, 'Listen First' has become a global success. One of the most common questions asked by partners and professionals around the globe is: how can we use ‘Listen First’?
That depends on one’s needs! ‘Listen First’ is a resource, not a program in itself. Therefore, it can be most efficient when incorporated into existing, evidence-based prevention programs. As a result, UNODC makes the materials available free of charge to interested partners, health care workers, educators, and prevention professionals. Large NGOs have worked alongside national authorities and incorporated the materials into prevention programs in countries as diverse as Slovenia, Finland, and the United Arab Emirates. In Spain, the University of Valencia shared 'Listen First' with its psychology clinics through the Lluís Alcanyís Foundation (FLA) in the entire region. In Serbia, 'Listen First' is now the longest project implemented on substance use prevention. Here, health and family clinics print the material and hang it in waiting rooms, where the videos are screened for parents and youth. In addition, NGOs have incorporated them into training programs for teachers, parents, and health workers. Psychologists are using the videos during family therapy sessions in, for example, the Philippines. In Malaysia, an NGO screens the videos within breakfast programs for vulnerable and refugee children. In Tanzania, the materials were translated to Swahili and incorporated into a health app for health workers and persons seeking rehabilitation. Countries in Latin and South America have also picked up the campaign. UNODC is currently translating the 'Listen First' material into Portuguese to be released nationally in Brazil later this year. There's a procedure for partners who wish to translate the material into local languages. As a result, 'Listen First' has been translated into over ten languages and used in countries on most continents, both at a national and local level.
Read this recent interview with Ms. Giovanna Campello, UNODC PTRS Officer in Charge, to hear what she has to say about ‘Listen First’ and how it can be best used!
If you are interested to use the material and translate them into your local language, please get in touch with jenny.roston@un.org, or fill out our engagement form here.
Made possible with the generous support of France.