Mission to establish healthy and resilient communities through addiction counselling

SAFA Counseling Centre aims to create a lasting impact on society through the ToT programme on drug prevention and addiction counselling. 

Pics courtesy of SAFA Counselling Centre

In a bid to safeguard the younger generation from drug and substance abuse, the SAFA Counselling Centre recently organised a Training of Trainers (ToT) programme on drug prevention and addiction counselling. The three-day programme included training community leaders, professionals and volunteers with a goal of creating a network of people who could educate others and work within their own communities. 

The SAFA Counseling Centre is a non-profit organization committed to empowering individuals, families and communities through education, counseling, training and social development programmes.  “When we were conducting marriage counseling programmes we identified substance abuse as a main factor that shattered the family unit in society today,” Founder, SAFA Counseling Centre Founder Ameena Mustapha told the Daily Mirror. 

The main objective of the programme was to equip participants with practical knowledge and counsellings skills in order to raise awareness, support individuals and families and conduct education programmes. Mustapha said that programme was initiated with a belief that prevention begins with education. “Through this programme we hope to empower the participants to become trainers and multiply the impact of the initiative,” she said. 

She underscored that drug prevention is one of the most effective ways to protect young people and families today. “Through awareness, early education and community support, we can reduce the risks associated with substance abuse before it becomes a social issue. Prevention not only improves individual wellbeing, but also contributes to safer and stronger communities,” she added. 

The training was conducted by trainer and senior counsellor M. M. G. B. M Rashad, North and Eastern province coordinator of the National Dangerous Drug Control Board and member of ‘Ratama Ekata’ National Steering Committee. 

When asked about future plans Mustapha said that their goal is to continue expanding training programmes and strengthen partnerships with schools, community organisations, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders. “We hope to reach more communities, increase public awareness and contribute to a coordinated approach to drug prevention and mental well-being,” she said. 

As an extension to the programme plans are underway to facilitate interactions between trainers and drug users to get a practical understanding of the reality at hand over a period of three months. 

In her concluding remarks Mustapha said that drug prevention is a shared responsibility. She said that by working together, encouraging open communication and supporting one another, healthier, safer and more resilient communities could be established. 

Participants attending the training programme