In 2023, the Drug Abuse Prevention Center (DAPC) will be commemorating 30 years of fund-raising efforts to assist drug use prevention activities around the world through collaborative efforts with UNODC and its grants programme. 30 years of unwavering support is meaningful, and particularly so when the past 3 decades have witnessed constantly evolving global and social issues and rapid changes in points of interests and priorities. Persistence in believing in the value and power of prevention, and supporting youth grow to be healthy individuals that can contribute positively to their society was, is, and will continue to be key in building a healthier tomorrow.
Similar to the DAPC, the Turkish Green Crescent Society, also has a long history of supporting and advocating drug use prevention, since 1920. And with the DAPC grants, it was able to further disseminate the value of prevention, raise awareness of addiction (including drugs, tobacco, and alcohol) amongst young people, and help increase social solidarity among peers. A club was established at the project site, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, to engage with as many students possible, including international students. Awareness seminars were provided for administrative and academic staff of the university to endorse and embrace the project by the DAPC grantee.
Students were selected to receive TBM trainings (Addiction Prevention Training Program of Turkey) to learn how to better address potentially risky situations, and also received communications trainings by experts from the Turkish Green Crescent Society. Trained youths provided cascade trainings to their peers at various seminar and conference rooms at the Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, reaching more than 4,500 students! A youth camp was also organized as part of the Peer Program, involving the participation of 100 students, and youths were given additional workshop trainings to further support their role as peer educators and enhance sustainability of the effects of the project.
Observing high participation and engagement with youth is highly encouraging, as these learning experiences will empower young people, help in growing decision-making skills, and support in better shaping their own future and that of the world around them. A big appreciation to Turkish Green Crescent Society in supporting to create a better university culture and environment in the Van province, and to all youths who have gone out of their way to help their peers.
Thanks to the generous support of the Drug Abuse Prevention Center (Japan).