𝙂𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙁𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙀𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨 426 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙩 𝘾.𝘼.𝘾 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙞𝙣 𝘼𝙙𝙤-𝙀𝙠𝙞𝙩𝙞 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙠𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙪𝙗𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝘼𝙗𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘼𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙝𝙤𝙡

As part of our ongoing efforts to curb substance abuse among adolescents, GoldHeart Foundation through our Drug Preventive Initiative (DPI) conducted an educational program at C.A.C Comprehensive High School in Ado-Ekiti. The program reached a total of 426 (M=229, F=197) students.

The session began with the executive director, Dowole Gold Moyinoluwa using interactive questioning methods to assess the students’ existing knowledge about various substances and their slang terms. The students demonstrated familiarity with drugs like ‘colos, ewe, gum, syrup, marijuana, tramadol, and others.’

The guest facilitator, Dr. Jimlas Opeyemi Ogunsakin, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, then led the sensitization using a mix of Ekiti dialect, Yoruba, and English. He thoroughly explained the concept of drug abuse, emphasizing the damaging effects these substances have on the body’s systems. He also discussed the negative impact of drug use on the students’ future prospects, stressing the importance of prioritizing health. He ended his session with “You lose opportunities when you abuse drugs. Always remember health is wealth anywhere you get to.”

The students actively engaged in the session, asking pertinent questions about the effects of alcohol during pregnancy, secondhand smoke exposure, peer pressure to use drugs, and strategies for quitting drug use. The facilitator provided comprehensive answers to address their concerns.

The vice-principal of the school was highly appreciative of the sensitization program, finding it immensely beneficial for the students. She requested that our organization organize similar sessions of long hours in duration to further educate the students.

We extends our sincere gratitude to Dr. Jimilas Ogunsakin for his passionate commitment to the well-being of adolescents, as well as to Mr. Moses, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Intergovernmental Affairs, for his presence and support during the event.

Together, we can work towards eradicating the drug menace among our young population by #investinginprevention

28th June 2024