Thanks in part to your support, another boy’s mentoring session was held at the end of January on Drug and Substance Abuse. The goal of the mentoring session was to educate the Develop Africa Sierra Leone (DASL) mentees on drug abuse and its effects and to raise awareness of the high prevalence of drug abuse in the Country.  Fifteen boys attended the mentoring session. All mentees received provisions (corn flasks, milk, and sugar) as take-home packages. In addition, the mentees received transportation and lunch at the end of the mentoring session.

A renowned pharmacist, Mr. Ishmeal J., was the guest speaker at the mentoring session.   He identified common (over-the-counter) drugs that can be harmful when abused or overdosed.  He advised the mentees not to abuse any drugs because they can easily lead to chronic diseases (mental illnesses, liver disease, and lung diseases) and even death.  He also mentioned some of the risk factors that can influence mentees to involve in drug/ substance abuse. He identified peer pressure, parental drug use, absence of empty recreational activities, and anti-social behaviors, as major risk factors for drug abuse among youths.  It ended with some questions from the mentees and the speaker closed by saying “Don’t Start and Don’t do it". 

Your continued support is greatly appreciated as it will enable more mentoring sessions and educational resources for the future leaders of Sierra Leone. If you haven't had the chance to sign up for a recurring donation yet, we warmly welcome your ongoing support.