Yendi Drug Abuse Campaign Reaches Over 800 SHS Students
Date of Outreach: June 27, 2025
Location: Yendi Senior High School & Dagbon State Technical and SHS, Yendi Municipality
The Yendi drug abuse campaign led by Yendi Youth Connect (YYC) marked another impactful milestone as the initiative reached over 800 Senior High School students across two key institutions in Yendi: Yendi SHS and Dagbon State Technical and Senior High School.
This outreach forms part of the larger “Drugs Steal Dreams” campaign, an awareness and prevention initiative aimed at educating and empowering young people across Yendi to make healthy, purpose-driven life choices in the face of rising substance abuse among youth.
The day’s sessions were moderated by Mr. Lukman Aliu, YYC’s Director of Programmes, and featured compelling presentations by experienced professionals: Mr. Osman Awal, a pharmacist; Mr. Shaibu Sulemana, a youth educator; and Mr. Asima Nagtomah, a civic mentor. Together, they led an open, honest, and deeply impactful dialogue about the realities and consequences of drug use.
“This is not just about telling students to say no,” said Mr. Awal. “It’s about helping them understand why their dreams are worth protecting and how to build the confidence to resist pressure.”
Empowering Youth Through Dialogue
Students were not passive listeners—they were active participants. The sessions included:
- Real-life stories and testimonials
- Myths and facts about substance abuse
- The role of peer pressure in teenage decision-making
- Tools for building self-esteem and personal direction
The engagement was intentionally crafted to meet the students where they are—emotionally, culturally, and socially—ensuring that the message was not only received but internalized.
The campaign also served as a platform to introduce the Young Achievers Club, YYC’s school-based mentorship and leadership development program, which will officially launch in selected SHS and JHS schools this academic term. This club will support students with:
- Weekly life-skills sessions
- Monthly mentorship forums
- Public speaking, radio, and podcasting activities
- Civic education and community engagement
Thank You to Our Partners
The success of the day’s outreach would not have been possible without the support of our local education partners. Yendi Youth Connect extends its sincere appreciation to the Yendi Municipal Education Directorate, along with the headmasters, teachers, and school staff at both Yendi SHS and Dagbon State Technical and SHS for their collaboration, trust, and hospitality.
Their commitment to holistic youth development continues to make it possible for initiatives like the Yendi drug abuse campaign to thrive.
Next Steps: From Schools to Streets
As the campaign continues, YYC is preparing to expand the next phase of its Yendi drug abuse campaign into public spaces and local communities across the municipality. These future engagements will specifically target:
- Out-of-school youth
- Youth in at-risk neighborhoods
- Community-based groups and influencers
Public forums, street dialogues, and community theatre will be used to create deeper awareness and connect more young people with support systems. The campaign also includes a hotline for confidential support and counseling:
📞 Call or WhatsApp: 0545566374 / 0534786381
“This is more than a campaign. It’s a movement to raise a generation that chooses confidence over confusion, purpose over peer pressure, and vision over vice,” said Mr. Lukman Aliu.
