KARATINA UNIVERSITY HOSTS 3-DAY NACADA WORKSHOP ON ENGAGING YOUTH IN DRUG USE PREVENTION

Karatina University, in partnership with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), successfully hosted a three-day sensitization and capacity-building workshop under the theme “Engaging Youth in Drug Use Prevention.” The workshop, held at the University’s Main Campus, brought together students, staff, and NACADA officials for a series of powerful discussions, training sessions, and action planning aimed at empowering young people to take an active role in combating drug and substance abuse within their communities.

The workshop was officially launched by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Franklin Wabwoba on behalf of the Vice Chancellor. He expressed his gratitude to the team from NACADA for choosing Karatina University as a strategic partner and for recognizing the university’s commitment to nurturing holistic leaders. He welcomed the students and urged them to be careful and not to conform in the things of the world. ‘Just because everyone is doing it, you don’t have to do it.’ He further emphasized that the university remains steadfast in creating a safe, supportive, and drug-free environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally.

Participants keenly following through the presentations during the workshop

Throughout the three days, participants were taken through critical areas including:

• The role of youth as change agents in drug demand reduction.
• Peer-to-peer mentorship and leadership in drug prevention initiatives.
• Recognizing early warning signs of substance abuse and strategies for timely intervention.
• Building life skills such as resilience, decision-making, and positive peer influence.
• Developing action plans for student-led drug prevention activities within the university and surrounding communities.

The sessions were highly interactive, featuring experience sharing, group discussions, role-playing, and practical workshops designed to equip students with the tools and confidence to spearhead the anti-drug campaign. Students were encouraged to take leadership in preventive efforts and be ambassadors of healthy living.

The representatives from NACADA emphasized on the urgent need to engage the youth meaningfully in national strategies against drug and substance abuse, highlighting that prevention is more sustainable and cost-effective than rehabilitation and treatment.

The students pose for a photo with the team from NACADA and organizing team from Karatina University.

The three-day workshop concluded with a strong call to action: for every student and stakeholder to become a champion of drug prevention, not only within the university but also in their families, neighborhoods, and future workplaces.

Karatina University remains committed to producing innovative, responsible, and visionary graduates, in line with its mission to inspire innovation and leadership for sustainable development.