VOY Engages the Bokwai Community on Fight Against Drug Abuse

On September 3, 2022, Voices of the Young (VOY) took to the streets of Bokwai in Buea, Cameroon, to tackle one of the community’s pressing issues: drug abuse. This street dialogue, themed “A Safe Bokwai for All,” aimed to encourage open conversation with both young people and elders in the community about the challenges drug abuse brings.

The event marks an essential part of VOY's outreach under its Street Dialogue initiative, with support from UNESCO’s Asia-Pacific Centre of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU) under the Global Citizenship Education (GCED) Program.

The VOY team engaged passers-by with three thought-provoking questions:

1. What are the consequences of drug abuse?

2. Are there any perceived benefits to drug use?

3. Who should be held accountable for drug abuse in the community?

This exercise sought to gather the perspectives of community members to create a foundation for targeted awareness efforts and practical solutions. The information collected is expected to guide VOY's future programs aimed at reducing crime, addressing unwanted pregnancies, curbing school dropout rates, and tackling other issues linked to drug misuse.

The Bokwai street dialogue was made possible through collaboration with the G-8 Initiative Cameroon, members of The Conversation, the Chief of Bokwai, and local community members. Their support strengthened the initiative and emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in creating a safe, drug-free environment.

Since its establishment in 2000, APCEIU has been a leader in promoting education for peace and global citizenship, fostering a culture of mutual understanding through initiatives like VOY's Street Dialogue. With continued support from APCEIU, VOY remains committed to empowering communities and cultivating positive change in Cameroon.