Youth Minister Engages Waterloo Community in Anti-Drug Campaign and Youth Empowerment Drive

As part of the government’s intensified efforts to combat drug abuse and support vulnerable communities, Minister of Youth Affairs Ibrahim Sannoh on Friday visited Waterloo, a community grappling with the devastating impact of Kush, a synthetic drug increasingly linked to social and health challenges across Sierra Leone.

The initiative aims to curb substance abuse while promoting youth empowerment through skills development and rehabilitation support.

During the visit, Minister Sannoh donated essential supplies including first aid kits, bags of rice, and financial aid. He emphasized that the government is not only committed to discouraging drug use but also focused on offering meaningful alternatives that foster personal and economic development.

“The Ministry will soon roll out skills development training to empower young people with opportunities,” he said, pointing to upcoming programs aimed at employment generation and entrepreneurship.

In a notable humanitarian gesture, the Minister also facilitated the medical treatment of several young individuals suffering from drug-related health complications. He personally accompanied them to Waterloo Government Hospital to ensure they received proper care.

The visit highlighted a dual approach to the drug crisis, combining awareness and prevention with immediate intervention and long-term rehabilitation. Minister Sannoh’s direct engagement with youth, coupled with promises of future vocational training opportunities, was met with a positive reception from community members.

The outreach forms part of the Ministry of Youth Affairs’ broader Rescue and Rebuild campaign, which seeks to address not only the symptoms but also the root causes of youth disenfranchisement and drug dependency across Sierra Leone.

Stakeholders in Waterloo expressed appreciation for the initiative, underscoring the importance of sustained government presence and investment in vulnerable communities. The Ministry’s planned rollout of skills programs is expected to continue in other affected regions in the coming weeks.