Faith community against drugs and substance abuse-facada project
Faith community against drugs and substance abuse-facada project
Kwale County Governor Representative and CC in charge of Kombani drugs rehabilitation centre constructed by Kwale county govt . Standing holding the mock booklet centre – right, centre – left NACADA coast Region coordinator and at the cntre IAS Denmark Head of Programmes Mt Thomas Ukendt, among other pictured include , county sub county administrators and other faith leaders who graced the hand booklet launch.
Introdruction
The project intervention is aimed at building the capacity of faith leaders in prevention and management of drugs and substance abuse using their sphere of influence in Kwale County. The project is Known as Faith Community Against Drug Abuse (FACADA project) and is targeting over 200 faith leaders in two sub-counties of Kwale County namely Msambweni sub-county ( 4 wards: Gombato, Ukunda , Ramisi and Kinondo wards ) and Lunga Lunga sub county (4 wards: Mwereni, Vanga, Dzombo and Pongwe Kikoneni).These faith leaders include Christians , Muslims, Kaya elders , interfaith youth and women of faith leaders, church elders including Sunday School and Madrassa teachers. It also targets duty bearers to enhance conversation between them and our faith leaders in addressing the Alcohol and Drug Abuse(ADA) challenge in Kwale County, especially in lobbying and advocacy for anti – drugs policy reforms and implementation.
Project Area Background ADA status
The project intervention is aimed at building the capacity of faith leaders in prevention and management of drugs and substance abuse using their sphere of influence in Kwale County. The project is Known as Faith Community Against Drug Abuse (FACADA project) and is targeting over 200 faith leaders in two sub-counties of Kwale County namely Msambweni sub-county ( 4 wards: Gombato, Ukunda , Ramisi and Kinondo wards ) and Lunga Lunga sub county (4 wards: Mwereni, Vanga, Dzombo and Pongwe Kikoneni).These faith leaders include Christians , Muslims, Kaya elders , interfaith youth and women of faith leaders, church elders including Sunday School and Madrassa teachers. It also targets duty bearers to enhance conversation between them and our faith leaders in addressing the Alcohol and Drug Abuse(ADA) challenge in Kwale County, especially in lobbying and advocacy for anti – drugs policy reforms and implementation.
Goup Photo – faith leaders common guide hand-booklet on drugs launch event 21st September ,2023
FACADA HANDBOOK
- Faith leaders should use the availed common guide hand booklet on drugs as a tool to support accelerated effort in the sensitization campaigns based on the issues and action point identified and adopted in the adv advocacy action plans
- The faith leaders as ward level should committee to also educated parents , youth and children in and out of school in liaison with the local administration using this tool
Key FACADA Project Areas highlights and Achievement:
County Government support for the FPFK FACADA Project
Project introductory visits were conducted to the Kwale County Governor H.E Fatuma Achani, where she pledged support for the initiative including the County Commissioner and the representative of National Authority Against Drugs and Substance Abuse (NACADA).
Development of a Common Handbook guide book on drugs for Faith Leaders
A common hand book guide was developed on ADA providing key information on drugs , types and classification their health effects , symptoms and signs and prevention approaches including suggested remedies by the faith leaders while addressing other knowledge/ capacity gaps highlighted from the study . The handbook was reviewed by the faith leaders and partners and their feedback incorporated into the final draft produced for printing and disseminations
Bonding with Faith Leaders and signing of a Declaration on anti -drug commitment by faith leaders
Bonding meetings held with 78 faith leaders from the two sub counties who signed a declaration on the November 14th committing themselves to commit at least a day or a month during their worship days to speak about the effects ADA and need for prevention and management of the vice in the their congregations and the larger community including advocating anti ADA legislation and implementation at County level
Sensitization and training of faith leaders on drugs
A total 214 faith leaders (Pastors, Sheikhs/Imams, Ustadha, Kaya Elders, youth , elders and women , Sunday school and Madrassa teachers) in the all the 8 wards in the two sub-counties were sensitized and trained drugs and other psychoactive substances including prevention approaches and how to motivate victim to go for treatment (referral mechanism).
Monitoring discussions with the Governor on FACADA project progress
Courtesy call to County Governor FACADA Team and IAS Denmark Mr Thomas
FACADA Project Monitoring visited County Commissioner Office Kwale -Duty bearers working with the faith leaders |