GYNED Launches Initiative To Address Kush Use In Slum Communities
In a significant step towards combating the escalating Kush addiction crisis in Sierra Leone, the Global Youth Network for Empowerment and Development (GYNED), officially launched the project “It Takes a Village: Empowering Freetown Slum Communities to Prevent Kush Use and Promote Wellbeing Among Addicted Youths” on 30th January, 2025. The launch event, held at the New City Council Hall in Freetown, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government representatives, community leaders, youth advocates, civil society organizations, and beneficiaries. This project in support from the Being Initiative; an international mental health initiative hosted by Grand Challenges Canada and funded in part by Foundation Botnar, the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care, using UK aid through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and the Government of Canada, in partnership with the Science for Africa Foundation, Orygen, and United for Global Mental Health, is designed to address the growing concern of Kush addiction among youths in Freetown’s slum communities. Through a comprehensive approach that combines psychosocial support, which will be led by YAMA (Yoga and Music Arts), known for their expertise in music and somatic movement therapies, vocational training, which will be led by Global Youth Network for Empowerment and Development in partnership with TVET institutions and community engagement and awareness raising, which will be led by ARMeD (Advocacy for the Rehabilitation for the Mentally Disadvantaged) Victims SL, with their experience in mental health advocacy. The project aims to provide holistic solutions to the crisis, empowering young people, especially the marginalized or addicted individuals, and offering them a brighter future. Musa Khalil Koroma, Founder and Executive Director of GYNED, opened the event by affirming the critical importance of the project in tackling the growing Kush addiction crisis affecting young people in Freetown. He highlighted the urgent need for a multi-sectoral approach, recognizing the Ministry of Health and other key stakeholders for their unwavering support in addressing mental health and substance use prevention. He provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s development, detailing its conceptualization, proposal submission, funding approval, and the extensive preparations leading up to the official launch. Mr. Koroma stressed that this project represents a transformative initiative, setting the foundation for a sustainable response to the drug epidemic affecting vulnerable youths in Sierra Leone. In transition, the facilitation of a more detailed presentation commenced by Mr. Nigel Palmer, the Project Lead/Coordinator at GYNED, who welcomed all attendees and highlighted the urgent need to tackle the issue of Kush addiction in the city. “This initiative is crucial for the future of our youths, and together we can make a lasting impact,” Mr. Palmer said, emphasizing that the project targets at-risk youths aged 16-24, across six slum communities. With a substantial budgeted amount and a timeline spanning from December 2024 to February 2026, the project will offer 192 sessions of yoga, somatic movement, and music therapy, as well as 108 sessions on the dangers of drug abuse, which will be facilitated by trained Youth Mental Health Ambassadors and ARMeD (Advocacy for the Rehabilitation for the Mentally Disadvantaged) Victims SL. In addition to the therapy and awareness sessions, he further reiterated that the project will provide vocational training and entrepreneurship development through partnerships with TVET institutions, reaching out to 400 recruited youths in need of skill-building opportunities. The initiative also aims to educate over 5,000 students, 300 parents, and community members through mental health awareness campaigns in schools, youth centres, and healthcare providers, laying the groundwork for long-term change. Moving forward, the launching was further enriched by powerful statements and address from several distinguished guests and speakers, who shared their perspectives on the crisis and the role of the new project in addressing it. National Youth President, Mr. Tejan Kellah, reaffirmed his commitment to combating the use of Kush in Sierra Leone. Reflecting on his past advocacy work, Mr. Kellah spoke of the challenges he faced when initially campaigning against Kush use, which was met with resistance. Despite the opposition, he emphasized that leadership requires boldness, and his efforts were crucial in shifting the narrative. Mr. Kellah praised the collaboration between media outlets such as AYV and SLBC, which helped amplify the message, demonstrating the power of collective action. He stressed that everyone in society has a role to play in tackling this issue and that their collective efforts could foster national progress, giving young people opportunities and skills to build a brighter future. Mr. Kellah concluded by expressing his pride in the progress made and the role of the youths in driving change. He believes that with the right mindset, the future would be shaped positively for all young people. The National Coordinator of the Sierra Leone Association of Non-Governmental Organizations (SLANGO), Alice Nenneh James, also delivered a statement of support. Mrs. James expressed immense pride in attending the event and congratulated GYNED on the launch of the initiative. She furthered that, SLANGO, on behalf of its leadership, Board of Directors, and Secretariat, are committed in supporting GYNED’s efforts and ensuring the project’s successful closure. Mrs. James emphasized that the key to community growth lies in education, awareness raising, and shared responsibility. She acknowledged the challenges many young people face, particularly those impacted by social pressures and harmful influences, and urged the importance of mentorship and guidance to help them stay focused on their goals. She noted that educational and empowerment efforts should extend beyond formal institutions, reaching into all communities to safeguard youths from negative influences and equip them with the necessary skills for success. Dr Santigie Sesay from the Ministry of Health delivered an insightful statement on the severe health implications of Kush addiction, highlighting its devastating effects on mental health, respiratory functions, and cognitive abilities. He outlined the public health emergency declared by the government, emphasizing the rapid escalation of drug-related cases and the urgent need for rehabilitation centres, policy reforms, and expanded mental health interventions. His address underscored the far-reaching societal consequences of drug abuse, including increased crime rates, homelessness, and deteriorating community well-being. He called for a coordinated effort between government agencies, civil society, and health professionals to develop a comprehensive framework for prevention, treatment, and reintegration of affected youths. Ibrahim Samuel Dugba, speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), delivered a statement addressing the challenges posed by drug abuse. He affirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to combating these issues and the importance of evidence-based approaches in prevention, care, and treatment. Mr. Dugba extended gratitude to GYNED and all partners for their dedication to this cause. He emphasized the need for community-led action, stating that the government has declared a public health emergency, but real change will only occur through the collective efforts of the community. Mr. Dugba also underscored the importance of empowering the youths, who make up 70% of Sierra Leone’s population, to ensure that they can lead the country into the future. He highlighted the global drug problem as a complex issue affecting millions worldwide, and called for strengthened collaboration to combat it. Mr. Dugba expressed full confidence in GYNED’s capacity to succeed, and urged continued commitment from all stakeholders. The Representative from the Sierra Leone Police, Superintendent Samuel Saio Conteh, also spoke at the event, emphasizing their role in combating drug abuse. He reiterated that the police force has made the issue of drug abuse a top priority and is committed to working with GYNED and other partners to engage communities. Additionally, he stated that the police had adopted a community-oriented policing strategy, which includes creative engagement through music and drama to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. He also made mention of the establishment of the Community Relations Department in facilitation of direct engagement with community members, local leaders, and youth representatives. Concluding, he stated that by gathering first-hand accounts from affected individuals, the police ensure that their strategies are effective and responsive to the needs of the community. In conclusion, this project acts as a crucial step in addressing Kush addiction in Freetown’s slum communities. By uniting stakeholders and implementing holistic interventions like rehabilitation, mental health support, and vocational training, the project aims to create lasting change. Its success depends on sustained collaboration from government agencies, civil society, and youth advocates. With collective effort, this initiative can empower youths, prevent substance abuse, and build a healthier, drug-free future for Sierra Leone.
