On the 3^rd of February 2023, Khirana Healthcare and Social Enterprise in partnership with the Bethany Christian Academy Alumni (EXCO) facilitated a drug education workshop for the management and staff of Bethany Christian Academy (BCA), Barkin Ladi. The theme of the workshop was ‘Introduction to Drug Education for School Children: Increasing Knowledge and Keeping Safe’.

The training module was developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for school children aged 12-16. The content of the training module is designed to increase the knowledge of children on drugs and their effects, while also helping them develop life skills and positive attitudes in relation to their own health, safety and well- being as they continue to grow. Also, the information contained within the module provides important background material for teachers to better understand the value of education about drugs before it is delivered to school children. The goal of the workshop was to train the teachers (to become trainers themselves) so that they are equipped to deliver the module directly to the school children.

The training workshop commenced around 1:00 pm, and spanned for 4hrs 30minutes. The workshop was attended by the principal, management staff and teachers of BCA. The total number of participants was 44, with a gender demographic of 29 males and 15 females. The teachers received Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, including copies of the training manual, as well as posters and writing materials. Sessions were very interactive with breaks in between.

Knowledge gap

In order to measure the knowledge gap that was bridged by the workshop, the knowledge and attitudes of the teachers was measured before and after the workshop. Aggregate results from the “pre” and “post” quiz showed an overall significant knowledge gain (as seen in the table below).

For example; prior to the training, only 41% of the participants understood that it is not true that “scare tactics (highlighting the dangers of drugs) are an effective approach to prevent young people from using drugs”. The workshop explored the complex nature of the predisposing factors to substance use, hence, there was an 83% knowledge gain amongst the teachers after the training.

Participants’ feedback

 To assess a general satisfaction of the participants, and consider feedbacks to improve future activities, the participants also undertook a series of evaluations. Most of the participants considered that learning about drugs, their effects and helping children keep healthy was very important; 91% considered the training very relevant for their work. The workshop ensured adequate participation, and participants commended the knowledge, facilitation/teaching skills and attitude of the UNODC certified trainers from Khirana Healthcare, describing them as “articulate, friendly with great knowledge of the subject matter”.

While there was an overall satisfaction from the feedback collected from the participants, 85% commented about the inadequate time allotted for the workshop. They also believe that a greater synergy between the school management, teachers and parents would yield greater outcomes in the implementation of prevention programmes and in the management of drug related issues in the school.

Khirana Healthcare is furthering conversations to ensure the successful adoption of the school drug education module into the BCA school curriculum; as part of a comprehensive approach to health and wellbeing, with ongoing initiatives to set up implementing committees within the school management and staff, alongside advocacy visits/activities from the alumni of BCA to support this important initiative.