U.S. Embassy Dushanbe’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) section has announced several new drug demand reduction initiatives in Tajikistan, ASIA-Plus reported. The U.S. Embassy says INL Tajikistan awarded three $20,000 grants to public organizations (PO) Phoenix, School of Volunteers, and Zanoni Sharq, as well as a $66,000 grant to the PO Youth House to implement Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) projects.
PO Phoenix is operating in the remote and vulnerable Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) and will conduct preventive activities through conducting Training of Trainers training for teachers and seminars on the prevention of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS, carrying out campaigns, development, and distribution of information and educational materials among school children in Khorog, GBAO. The organization will create an environment for healthy lifestyles for teenagers and engage them in other activities, such as crafts and sports activities.
PO School of Volunteers will raise awareness about the risks of drug exposure and ways to prevent drug addiction for children and adolescents in the cities of Bokhtar and Levakant and in Kushoniyon, and Vakhsh districts of Khatlon province.
PO “Zanoni Sharq” will conduct trainings and awareness raising campaigns for youth in Sarazm, Khurmi, Chinor, Voru, Khalifa Hasan, Loiq Sherali, and Kosatarosh in Panjakent (Sughd province), where drug availability and increased consumption of drugs among youth is a concern. This DDR project will also promote ethical treatment policies, strategies, and interventions, as well as raise awareness about the health risks and negative societal impact caused by drug use and dependence.
PO Youth House in collaboration with the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America will strengthen 17 anti-drug community coalitions of Tajikistan by assisting them in developing capacity building and communication strategies to promote the coalitions in their communities. This project will allow the first-ever comprehensive nationwide community assessment conducted by the coalitions simultaneously in 17 communities, representing geographic and cultural diversity, located in all major regions of Tajikistan, which will standardize, streamline, and expand the data collection methods and capacity. The data generated will not only guide local approaches to reduce substance use but will also serve as a resource to help shape drug policy at the national level.
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