Youth Programme
SANCA Western Cape is fully committed to creating a drug-free environment in which young people can enjoy their freedom, develop intellectually, socially, economically, emotionally, spiritually and physically, and go on to live a responsible, constructive and fulfilling life. The effects of substance abuse can have a devastating impact on the lives of young people and, for this reason, SANCA works very hard at encouraging young South Africans to refrain from abusing substances.
The primary purpose of the Youth Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness Programme, which has been operating successfully for more than 50 years, is to prevent substance abuse amongst youth and to promote alternative, healthy lifestyles.
What are the objectives of the Youth Programme?
The primary objectives of the awareness sessions and in-depth prevention programme, offered mainly in primary schools located in hot spots within high-risk communities of the Western Cape, are to:
- Create awareness and provide drug education for children and young people about substance abuse,
- Develop effective leadership and life skills to assist children and young people to resist the allure of illicit drugs and alcohol,
- Empower children and young people to make informed decisions, to evaluate these decisions and take responsibility for their choices,
- Redirect the purpose and energy of children and young people towards positive life goals and to promote healthy lifestyles and behaviour as alternatives to substance abuse and other risky behaviours, and
- Create a platform of support for those who already struggling with substance abuse problems.
How is the programme presented?
The programme is presented in primary and secondary schools for grades that have been selected by the school principal and the educators. This multi-faceted, holistic prevention programme comprises five specific components:
- Information and Awareness Sessions,
- A more in-depth Prevention Programme incorporating a drug education and awareness session as well as between three and seven life skills training sessions,
- Learners who present with a substance abuse problem are assessed and referred for counselling or treatment,
- Holiday programmes that are conducted on an ad hoc basis and in conjunction with other non-profit organisations and government departments, and
- Peer counsellors are appointed and trained in selected schools to assist with ongoing awareness campaigns and the referral of learners with a problem.
How does the programme work?
Information and awareness sessions, which are presented during a school period, provide drug education and accurate information about substance abuse, its root causes and its detrimental effect on individuals at a social, physical, emotional and psychological level. Many of the schools at which SANCA Western Cape presents information and awareness sessions frequently also request the organisation’s return to conduct the life skills training sessions that form part of the more in-depth prevention programme.
The following life skills are covered: decision-making, peer pressure, self-image, conflict resolution, communication, relationships and leadership. These modules also illustrate the link between substance abuse, as well as health and social problems such as HIV/AIDS, Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, crime, violence and unemployment. Schools are able to select modules of their choice to create a tailor-made programme that meets their unique needs.
The more in-depth prevention programme comprises three to eight sessions lasting between 30 to 45 minutes presented. It is presented by highly experienced, well qualified SANCA facilitators and entails one drug education and awareness session as well as an additional two to seven life skills training sessions. Groups comprise one school class, ranging in size from about 25 to 40 learners.
Who are the beneficiaries?
The content of this programme is flexible and can be presented to learners in primary and secondary schools or any youth at risk. SANCA offers this programme in under-resourced, high-risk communities to approximately 9,500 Grade 6 and 7 primary school learners as well as Grade 8, 9 and 10 high school learners from Atlantis, Athlone, Cape Town, Guguletu, Hanover Park, Khayelitsha, Manenburg, Mitchells Plain, Phillipi, Strandfontein, Tygerberg and as far a field as Paarl.
What does the programme cost?
The Department of Social Development and other funders cover approximately 65% of the cost of the programme. Please contact the regional office for the cost of this programme.
