The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Welfare and the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), has conducted a drug and substance abuse awareness campaign in several schools across Freetown.

The campaign was designed to educate pupils on the dangers of drug and substance abuse and its consequences for health, education, personal development, and future opportunities. Students were encouraged to share the information with their families, friends, and community members, particularly those vulnerable to drug use, as part of efforts to promote positive behavioral change and wider community awareness.

The sessions were delivered through interactive classroom engagements that encouraged active participation and dialogue between facilitators and students. At the end of each session, pupils selected representatives to summarize key messages and facilitate peer discussions. This approach allowed students to ask questions, express concerns, share experiences, and make recommendations while receiving guidance and accurate information from facilitators.

Speaking during the engagements, officials emphasized that young people play a critical role in preventing drug and substance abuse and can serve as ambassadors of positive change within their schools and communities. The campaign, officials said, increased students’ understanding of the risks associated with drug use and empowered them to make informed decisions and influence their peers positively.

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Drug and substance abuse remains a growing public health and social concern in Sierra Leone, particularly among young people. Experts warn that drug misuse can lead to addiction, mental health disorders, poor academic performance, unemployment, criminal activity, and social instability. Addressing the issue, they note, requires coordinated and sustained effort involving families, schools, community leaders, religious institutions, civil society organizations, and government agencies.

Young people are being encouraged to make informed choices, resist negative peer influence, and seek support when facing personal or social challenges. Parents and guardians are also urged to maintain open communication with their children, monitor their well-being, and remain vigilant to signs of drug and substance use.

The NDLEA and its partners stressed that the fight against drug and substance abuse is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement agencies but a shared national responsibility. Through continued awareness raising, strengthened community support systems, and increased investment in prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation services, Sierra Leone can protect its young people and build a healthier, safer, and more productive society for future generations.