PDF (Lessons learned in drug abuse prevention: a global review)

INTERNATIONAL
Aims:
To obtain within 3-5 years an increase in drug demand reduction efforts implemented
by NGOs in East and Southern Africa, addressing problems related to drug abuse
through effective and sustainable projects and programmes.
Main Activities:
● Recognising NGOs as an important resource: A large number of European relief
organisations emerged in Africa during the early 1980s. In 1986, an Inter-regional
NGO conference was held in Stockholm, Sweden, as a preparatory conference for the
1987 International Conference on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. At this conference,
attended by NGO and Government representatives from around the world, it was
recognised that NGOs play an important part in the field of drug demand reduction.
● Aiding NGOs to build their capacity through training and funding: Thirty
NGOs were funded subsequent to the conference, and thirty-five NGOs received training.
This training was given to selected specialised and non-specialised NGOs in order
to enhance their capacity to design, implement, monitor, administer and evaluate drug
demand activities.
● Establishing an NGO network for the sharing of information: An NGO network
was established to exchange information and experiences, and to facilitate formal and
informal contacts between all co-operating bodies in the field of demand reduction in
the sub-region.
● Introducing a resource centre and newsletter: An information/public relations
specialist was recruited and a drug resource centre was established to provide information
for NGOs. A regular newsletter (6 issues per annum) is also being produced to
disseminate further information within the network.
“This project is helping
the helpers in a very
practical way. It has
strengthened the
capacity of NGOs
through technical
and financial support,
and co-operation.”
● Providing a practical information handbook: A drug abuse counselling guide
entitled the ‘Drug Counsellorís Handbook’ was developed and widely disseminated
among NGOs in the region. This document is a practical guide for information and
reference for the counselling, treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts. Following
a request from NGOs, the guide was translated into Swahili in order to ensure its wide
distribution throughout local communities in the three Swahili-speaking countries
(Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda).
● Maintaining the NGO network: Meetings were facilitated between NGOs,
Governments, UN agencies and donors. Advisory services were provided relating to
the areas in which training has been identified as necessary. An institution was subcontracted
to prepare and organise the training courses. The project has also developed a
directory of NGOs working in the field of drug abuse prevention in the region.
Monitoring & Evaluation:
As a mechanism by which to monitor the project, Tripartite Review Meetings (TPR)
were held during the execution of the project in order to assess the effectiveness and
impact of the results achieved, to review project outputs, and, where necessary, to
make recommendations for changes. A project evaluation was also held, at which it
emerged that formal networks between NGOs at the national level have been established
in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Mauritius,
Somalia and Nigeria.
Formal and informal meetings between NGOs and their national counterparts take
place throughout the sub-region. These networks and meetings have been evolving
spontaneously among the NGOs without external interference.
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