"KE MOJA INTEGRATED STRATEGY

Transcription

1 "KE MOJA INTEGRATED STRATEGY 1

2 Abbreviations CDA DCS DOE DOH DSD FBO FET HSRC M&E NDMP NGO UNODC NSC NYC NYS Central Drug Authority Department Correctional Services Department of Education Department of Health Department of social development Faith Based Organization Further Education and Training Human Science Research Council Monitoring and Evaluation National Drug Master Plan Non Government Organization United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime National Steering Committee National Youth Commission National Youth Service 2

3 Ke moja, I m fine without drugs programme Vision A drug free environment in which youth enjoy their freedom, develop intellectually, socially, economically; emotionally, spiritually and physically and live a responsible way of life. Mission Our Mission is to: Efficiently and effectively engage the society in the fight against Substance Abuse as its responsibility. To create opportunities for alternative lifestyles for young people. To develop and maximize capacity to deal with Substance Abuse challenges. Maximise developmental opportunities for youth. Develop a caring environment for youth. Promote a responsible way of life amongst youth. 3

4 KE MOJA INTEGRATED STRATEGY 1. Background Ke moja, I m fine without drugs is a brand name for the Government of South Africa s drugs and substance abuse prevention programme. moja is a South African colloquial language which means Fine while Ke is the Sesotho language which means I. The Minister of Social Development launched Ke moja on 26 th June 2003 and the programme was embraced by Parliament in the same period. Substance abuse has become an ever-increasing challenge facing the youth globally and within the South African context. Drugs mainly affect those who are most vulnerable, such as the youth. The transition from adolescence to young adulthood is a critical period in which experimentation with illicit drugs in many cases begins. Drugs may have a strong appeal to young people who are beginning their struggle for independence as they search for their identity. This appeal of drugs can lead to a variety of social ills impacting on the health, behaviour and state of mind of the country s youth, placing them at risk of developing life-threatening illnesses later on in life. Due to their net curiosity and thirst for new experiences, peer pressure, resistance to authority, sometimes low self-esteem and problems in establishing positive interpersonal relationships, young people are particularly susceptible to the allure of drugs. Whilst there are different reasons for abusing drugs, marginalized youth are particularly susceptible to the enticement of drugs. At the same time there is considerable abuse among socially integrated youths. Evidence suggests that experimentation with drugs is taking place at an earlier age than was previously the case. The global increase in substance abuse should be seen against the backdrop of an environment where young people are increasingly being confronted with rapid social and technological change, as well as a more competitive society; where the drive to succeed is high and personal fulfilment emphasised. In addition, a weakening in traditional values and family ties are being experienced together with an increased need for higher levels of stimulation. Providing people who work with these children with the necessary tools and resources is critical in enabling them to provide effective drug abuse preventative education. UNODC and the government of South Africa, with Department of Social Development as a lead, adopted the Ke moja as a national drug awareness and prevention programme that aims to mobilise against drug abuse. The programme started with this message: Ke moja no thanks, I m fine. Research was conducted by the Human Science Research Council (HSRC), and findings indicated that young people have accepted Ke moja as a slogan. Ke moja is a colloquial language which is recognised and accepted by youth. It was also found that the campaign needed to broaden the message to say Ke moja I m fine without drugs The programme focuses on using a variety of activities as tools to educate, empower and develop awareness of the harmful effects of substance abuse, especially illicit 4

5 drugs. Children and youth are the main target groups while the community will also benefit. In February 2007 the 1 st Biennial Substance Abuse Summit, indicated the importance of strengthening and integrating prevention programmes led to the establishment of the Ke moja National Steering Committee (NSC). Subsequent to the summit, the NSC hosted an interdepartmental seminar to forge ahead with development of the Ke moja Integrated Strategy. 2. Legislative Framework Ke moja I m fine without a drug is informed by the following legislative framework: United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs Political Declaration (official records of General Assembly, Twentieth Special Session Supplement No. 1 (A/S-2014) states drugs affect all sections of the society in all countries, in particular, drug abuse affects the freedom and development of young people, the world s most valuable asset. Drugs are a grave threat to the health and wellbeing of all mankind, the independence of states, democracy, the stability of nations, the structure of all societies and the dignity and hope of millions of people and their families. Section 10 to 12 (1) of Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, (Act 108 of 1996), which grants citizens the right to have their dignity respected and protected, the right to life, and the right to freedom and security. Section 6 of the Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act (Act no.20 of 1992 and the Amendment of 1999) calls on the Minister of Social Development to establish a programme which is aimed at: the prevention of drug dependency; providing information to the community on the abuse of drugs; education of the youth in regard to the abuse of drugs; the observation, treatment and supervision of persons who have been released from a treatment centre or registered treatment centre, or who have been placed under supervision by a court, including the rendering of assistance to the families of persons detained in a treatment centre or registered treatment centre. (Pending the review of the 5

6 Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill (2007) already approved by cabinet.) The South African Institute for Drug Free Sport Act, Act 14 of 1997, is aimed at amongst other things, the establishment of educational programmes which will increase the skills and knowledge base of all stakeholders with regard to drugs in relation to sport. The National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) ( ) was drafted in accordance with the stipulations of the Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act (No. 20 of 1992). It constitutes the country's set of responses to the substance abuse problem as defined by UN Conventions and other international bodies. The administrative unit of the Act is the Central Drug Authority (CDA), whose secretariat is located within the Department of Social Development. The NDMP enables co-operation between Government departments and stakeholders in the field of drug prevention. The National Drug Master Plan ( ) outlines the role that each department should play in fighting the scourge of drug abuse. The goals of the NDMP are to: Ensure the co-ordination of efforts to reduce the supply of and demand for drugs/substances of abuse. Strengthen efforts aimed at the elimination of drug trafficking and related crimes. Strengthen the legal and institutional framework for combating the illicit supply and abuse of substances. promote the integration of substance abuse issues into the mainstream of Socio-economic development programmes. Ensure appropriate intervention strategies through awareness raising, education, prevention, early intervention and treatment programmes. Promote family and community-based intervention approaches in order to facilitate the social reintegration of abusers. Promote partnerships and the participation of all stakeholders at local and provincial level in the fight against illicit substances and abuse. promote regional, national and international co-operation in the management of the illicit supply of drugs and substances of abuse 6

7 Therefore, as mentioned previously, the Department of Social Development was mandate bound to initiate a campaign of this nature, which would be in the best interest of young people in South Africa. This campaign is Ke moja I m fine without drugs. 3. Objectives The objective of this campaign is largely to embark on a preventative education programme on substance abuse. The focus is broader than illegal or illicit substances; it also includes those perceived to be less dangerous, such as tobacco and alcohol. Statistics have indicated that the abuse of alcohol and tobacco is increasing amongst the youth, as they are viewed as more socially acceptable substances. Much of the impact these substances have on the physiology and psycho-social wellbeing of the youth in the long term are usually not emphasized/highlighted. The Department of Social Development, with their identified partners, therefore aim to: Raise awareness amongst the youth on the harmful effects of substance abuse by making use of various activities in an integrated approach. To contribute towards skills development initiatives specific to substance abuse prevention (capacity building for Ke moja facilitators, academic opportunities specific to substance abuse studies to be provided) Lobby and advocate for early intervention and a more integrated approach in addressing the challenges of drug usage Lobby for greater access to treatment facilities, prioritising those young people already caught in the cycle of abuse. Create a platform for dialogue between youth and the community on the issue of drugs Ke moja facilitators to roll out peer education programme in schools Train educators and caregivers on substance abuse prevention Provide parents and School Governing Bodies (SGB) with information on drugs for early identification To provide and promote alternative activities for young people (sports, arts, etc.) 7

8 4. Principles of Ke moja I m fine without drugs programme 4.1 Compliance To ensure that implementation of Ke moja I m fine without drugs programme conforms to the strategies, objectives and methodology as outlined in the developed manuals. 4.2 Free of Scare tactics Information dissemination must refrain from using scare tactics but rather empower youngsters with knowledge and skills to make drug free informed choices. 4.3 Appropriateness Activities and methodology should be age appropriate and specific to the target groups. 4.4 Effectiveness and efficiency All activities rendered should be effective and efficient to make the desired impact in the lives of young people. 4.5 Empowerment Provision of skills opportunities for capacity building to make informed choices 4.6 Family centred Parents and significant other should be empowered to intervene timeously and prevent addiction. 4.7 Integration The program should promote and strengthen integration in prevention strategies of drug abuse. 4.8 Participation Target groups should be involved in activities leading to healthy drug free life style 4.9 Accessibility The National Drug Awareness, Ke moja, I m fine without drugs should be accessed by all communities. (Rural, urban and peri-urban) 8

9 4.10 Acceptance All young people shall be accepted the way they are and have equal opportunities to access resources programmes and services aimed at the prevention of substance abuse Respect for human dignity All youth shall be respected and treated in a dignified manner. 5. Approach The complexity of the drug and alcohol abuse problem in the country demands a coordinated and highly integrated approach if the goal of creating a drug free society is to be achieved. There is a need for integration and co-operation across all levels of the continuum for dealing with substance abuse. These include, amongst others: Dealing with socio-economic issues and the causes of substance abuse (e.g. by providing alternative leisure or skills development activities, as well as more effective coping mechanisms). Examples of alternative leisure pursuits provided through the Ke moja I m fine without drugs approach are the following: Recreational Sport: Street games, Indigenous games and Improvised sport codes Fitness Challenge: Youngsters awareness of their Body Mass Index and working towards maintaining their health and fitness through the fitness challenge programme competing against self. Competitive Sport: Competing against partners/opponents and groups in clubs teams to promote sport for self discipline and self esteem. Provincial and National competitions against drug abuse Performance Arts: Youngsters artistic skills encouraged through poetry, creative writing, dance forms, music, and drama against drug abuse. Other Art forms: Paintings, graffiti, photography for drug abuse prevention expression. Communication: Provision of opportunities for networking against drug abuse through websites, cell phone sms, print and electronic media and radio. 9

10 A reduction in the supply of drugs forms a critical part of primary prevention. Prevention of substance abuse through training for quality implementation and provision of resource materials (including education and raising awareness). Community-based substance abuse prevention focusing on community members in general, providing skills for identification of signs of drug abuse and guidance for referrals. Early identification and intervention. Drug treatment (including rehabilitation and risk reduction). Extensive research. All programs will be developed with the purpose of integration and mainstreaming of all activities aimed at the prevention of substance abuse. As explained earlier, a concerted effort of all relevant government departments, the private sector, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) and Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) will be required to ensure the implementation of the programmes. The broader approach is that of developing preventative measures, as well as assisting those already caught in the cycle of drug abuse to escape it through ensuring access to treatment facilities and counselling. In order to achieve this goal, existing programmes offered by various stakeholders will be audited and evaluated for efficacy. Where needed, programmes will be integrated and strengthened to ensure effective service delivery to the youth. 6. Levels of Interventions 6.1 Primary Prevention In line with the National Drug Master Plan, Prevention programmes can be divided into primary, secondary and tertiary levels. Ke moja I m fine without drugs main focus is on the primary prevention. It attempts to curb the supply and prevent the new use of illicit drugs. The programme further works towards the protection and upliftment of all people and communities by promoting well-being and encouraging and supporting people to take pro-health decisions. The primary prevention programme level encompasses the following: Ensure an integrated approach in responding to the challenges that face young people in their social environments that ultimately lead to drug abuse. Raise awareness among children and youth in and out of school, as well as those at primary schools, secondary schools and universities about the harmful effects of drug abuse (utilising road shows and the media, based on a cohesive communication strategy that is culture and age appropriate). 10

11 Through awareness programmes, encourage parent and broader community involvement in drug education and prevention Incorporate a programme on substance abuse prevention in the existing multipurpose centres in that way working collaboratively with local government/municipals. Promote prevention programmes in schools Develop life skills activities 6.2 Secondary Prevention: Secondary prevention level is aimed at persons who display early stages of problem behaviour associated with the use of drugs and other substances of abuse. The target groups for secondary prevention are: Experimenters. (Those who are not yet addicted) Youth-at-risk. (involved in gangsterism, truancy and criminal activities) The objectives are: To ensure that young people abusing substances obtain immediate access to a range of relevant resources and services including counselling, treatment, rehabilitation, and after care services. To lobby for the establishment of more community based treatment facilities as well as out-patient treatment centres To promote prevention programmes aimed at reducing and preventing the harmful effects of the use of alcohol and drugs. To promote specific interventions and programme for individuals and groups at risk. 6.3 Tertiary prevention. (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Facilitators will be capable of assessing the drug abuse situation and identify individuals addicted to substances and refer them for therapeutic treatment and rehabilitation. 11

12 7. Resource manuals 7.1 Peer Education manuals will be developed to target: Correctional centres( young offenders) Schools, FET Colleges and Universities (learners and students) Puppet Show (primary school learners) Holiday programmes (Clubs, sport teams, Art groups, etc.) Parents manuals. (Adult to-adult) Monitoring and evaluation tools Curriculum infusion guidelines in Education. 8. Skills development Maslow s hierarchy of needs stipulates the level of need fulfilment necessary for individuals. It is therefore important to meet the individual s and family s basic needs in order to be able to address the physical and self actualization needs Learnership programmes will be created through the Ke moja programme to empower facilitators and access job opportunities Ke moja facilitators will be branded by the National Youth Service programme with exit opportunities. Through partnership with stakeholders in the area of recreation and sport, more comprehensive and effective programmes would be developed within communities. 9. Target Groups 9.1 Primary Schools As explicated in the background section, during their teens young people are susceptible to drug usage due to peer pressure, curiosity and sometimes low selfesteem. Primary school learners are also susceptible to drug abuse, therefore puppet shows for Grades R to 3 and related Ke moja I m fine without drugs activities will be used as tools for intervention. For Grades 4 to 7 infusion of drug abuse prevention programme in the curriculum will provide opportunities for learners assessment of the knowledge and understanding of the harmful effects of drug abuse. 12

13 9.2 High Schools Tailor made and context sensitive programmes will be developed to conform to the Department of Education s norms and standards, which would target this Youth Category while bearing in mind the communities in which they live. Department of Education will rollout their new Drug Abuse Prevention and Education Programme in February-March 2008, which will be infused in the Learning Areas and integrated into Ke moja. 9.3 Tertiary Education and FET Colleges Students Most young people get to experience their independence once they get to tertiary and FET institutions. With drugs sometimes being freely available, young people get into an experimentation mode and end up becoming substance dependent. Targeting this group through the Ke moja programme is imperative. Peer Education is vital for effective prevention of drug abuse, because it is seen as being more credible than when it is done by adults. Young people may perceive peer education as less threatening than adult education; hence the value of emphasizing this approach in tertiary institutions and FET Colleges. Peer educators are more effective role models because their behaviour provides social information relevant to the young people. Media Campaigns in Tertiary Institutions play a pivotal role. There are university radio stations which will be used for talk shows for prevention of drug abuse and education on the harmful effects of drug abuse. Event oriented programmes, particularly National and International events, will be used to expand the drug abuse prevention campaign 9.4 Youth out of School and out of work Marginalized youth are particularly susceptible to the enticement of drugs. Their susceptibility has more aggravating consequences as they may engage in harmful actions, like being in conflict with the law, to generate funds to sustain their habit. It is this category of youth who will require a more concerted effort from communities, NGOs and government departments, as they are less organised than youth in other categories. The integration with National Youth Service Model will provide opportunities for Ke Moja Youth facilitators to implement the program (Peer-to-peer) with stipends over a 12 month period. In that way increasing the number of youngsters reached. Knowledge and skills improvement and job creation will be attended at this level. Role modelling, peer education and media campaign will also be used. Ke moja Champions will be selected annually from the young facilitators who implemented the programme for a period of 12 months. They will be assessed to 13

14 determine whether they reached criteria set out (e.g. number of youngsters reached, records of reached youngsters comments on the facilitator s performance, impact made by facilitator, etc.) Employed professionals such as Social Workers will be able to intervene, monitor the implementation process 9.5 Parents and significant others Awareness of risky factors and drug abuse will be done to parents and school Governing Bodies. Consequences of protecting drug dealers and abusers; as well as ways of dealing with such problems, in an effort to reduce/eradicate/prevent drug abuse will be emphasised. Identification of youth at risk at an experimental stage, development of skills for intervention and referral of such drug abuse cases will also be addressed. 10. Co-ordination For the purpose of achieving integration of programmes, a National Steering Committee and Provincial Steering Committees will be established to co-ordinate government departments efforts in combating drug and substance abuse. Each department will coordinate its own activities and report to the National Steering Committee. 11. Resources Standardized Ke moja, I m fine without drugs resource manuals will be developed and distributed to provinces.the national Department of social development with the support of the UNODC will provide training to master trainers in provinces. Ke moja, I m fine without, drugs youth facilitators will need a stipend which will be budgeted for by provinces. Sustenance of media campaign will be the National department of Social Development s responsibility. 12. Roles of different stakeholders Department of Social Development: The responsibilities of Department of social development include: To develop a Ke moja I m without drugs implementation plan for provinces. To capacitate provinces and ensure that integration of Ke moja phase 1 and 2 take place. To train young people to assist the Department with the implementation. 14

15 Provincial Social Developments will provide stipends to the youth ke moja facilitators. Department of Education (DoE) The following roles will be performed: To infuse Ke moja I m without drugs strategy into their curriculum to form part of the life orientation lesson. To provide Peer Education to learners in schools. Capacitate educators about issues of drug abuse and be able to compliment other departments efforts. Department of Heath (DoH) The Department of Health will among others be expected to: Provide treatment to children and youth who have started abusing drugs and not yet dependent, early intervention. Encourage healthy lifestyles among youth and children. South African Police Services (SAPS) The responsibilities of SAPS include: To strengthen and support the Ke moja I m fine without drugs and vigilantly work on the drug supply reduction through sub programmes such as: Prevention programmes such as Adopt a cop. Holiday programmes for prevention of drug abuse Knowledge and information dissemination on consequences of drug abuse and the law Drug testing for early intervention/secondary prevention. Drug search with sniffing dogs for supply reduction. Sport and Recreation South Africa The following activities will be organised: Mass participation in applied sport codes as alternatives to drug abuse. 15

16 Sport for a healthy drug free lifestyle programs Sport for self esteem and self discipline Sport for competition, recreation and peace. Sport against drug abuse National Youth Commission NYC will be responsible for the: Provision of youth facilitators to implementation Peer Education programmes. Support of the programme through inclusion of the National Youth Services model in the programme as a job creation and leadership skills development opportunity. Department of Arts and Culture The responsibilities will include: To capacitate programme implementers about different forms of arts and culture as an alternative to drug abuse for youngsters and adults. Department of Correctional Services (DCS) DCS will provide: Peer Education and empowerment through knowledge of the link between drug abuse and HIV/AIDS Provision of alternative life skills to incarcerated inmates to help them deal with substance abuse challenges. Provisions of therapeutic programme to youth addicted to substances. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) UNODC will be responsible to: To provide support Government initiatives to deal with the abuse of illicit substances 16

17 To update the NSC on current international drug abuse prevention strategies and related matters. 13. Research To provide ongoing scientific evidence in the drug abuse situation and trends in the country. 14. Monitoring and evaluation Standardized monitoring tools to measure impact, efficiency and effectiveness will be developed. Provinces and districts will monitor the implementation and provide reports quarterly to the National Steering Committee (NSC) and national Department of Social Development. The impact of the programme will be evaluated annually to retain good practice and lessons learnt while reviewing for improvement. Internal and external evaluation will be conducted to measure impact, effectiveness and efficiency of the Ke moja programme for a period of 5 years. ( ) 14.1 Internal evaluation NSC will conduct internal evaluation annually and present evaluation reports to the Departments and Central Drug Authority (CDA) to ensure consistency and improvement of implementation External evaluations An external evaluation will be conducted at the end of 2011 by independent evaluators. Lessons learnt will provide a best practice model for future programmes. 15. Expected Outcomes Reduced levels of substance abuse among youth Provision of career opportunities for the young people. (Reduced unemployment and interest in studying) Increased ability to resist drug abuse and be able to comfortably say Ke moja, I m fine without drugs. Increased knowledge about substance abuse and related effects 17

18 Ability to handle peer pressure and make informed decision about drugs and alcohol. Active involvement and participation of young people in the prevention of drugs Responsible and productive young people 16. Conclusion Ke moja I m fine without drugs forms part of government s contribution to improve the quality of life for people living in South Africa. Success requires active involvement and participation of the community, government and individual citizens in the fight against substance abuse. The programme needs to be supported by other programmes, projects, strategies and policies. 18