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National Prefects Conference: Uniting Against Drug Abuse and Promoting Mental Health Awareness in Ugandan Schools
UNESCO, in collaboration with the organized the 3rd edition of the National Prefects Conference, bringing together over 800 student leaders from across Uganda. Held on 25 July 2024 in Kampala, the conference commemorated the , focusing on the urgent issues of drug abuse and mental health in schools.
In response to growing concerns about drug and substance abuse within Ugandan schools, the conference addressed the alarming incidents linked to drug and alcohol use among students. These issues have led to serious consequences, including mental health challenges, school strikes, suicidal tendencies, teenage pregnancies, HIV infections, and increased crime rates. The limited availability of resources for outreach programs has made it challenging to address these issues comprehensively.
From this conference, I have learned that student leaders have a big role to play in addressing the challenges of drugs and substance abuse in school. I therefore commit to rallying my fellow leaders to work towards creating a safe and drug free school environment.
The conference attracted over 800 participants, focusing on empowering student leaders as peer educators to combat the menace of drug abuse in schools. Attendees primarily comprised secondary school student leaders from across the country, along with representatives from key stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, and Development Partners.
The event was held under the theme "Drug Abuse and Its Effect on Mental Health." This initiative aligns with UNESCO’s Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3) programme, which seeks to create safe learning environments for students by preventing all forms of violence, including bullying, within and around schools.
Key Messages from the Conference
Dr. Aggrey Kibenge, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, emphasized the pivotal role of young people in shaping Uganda’s future. Dr. Kibenge highlighted the crucial importance of youth involvement in national development and underscored that mental health is the cornerstone of human well-being, yet it does not receive the attention it deserves.
If we are to secure the future of this country, it must be through engaging young people, with student leaders at the forefront.
Rosemary Nasaba, O3 Plus Cluster Coordinator representing the NPO-EHW for Uganda, challenged the student leaders to take proactive steps in creating a safer, more inclusive education environment.
As Student Leaders, you know the implications and effects of drug use, therefore work towards developing an action plan to support your work around combating the vice in your schools.
Commitments for a Safer School Environment
The conference educated student leaders about the effects of drug abuse on mental health, featuring sessions on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse, the role of mental health in education, and the link between substance abuse and sexual and reproductive health risks.
The event concluded with a strong commitment from student leaders to promote a safer, more inclusive, and drug-free school environment. They pledged to take concrete actions, such as initiating awareness campaigns, peer education programs, and support groups, all aimed at ensuring a drug-free school zone.
