Cape Verde: Recovering Addicts Lead Fight Against Drugs
In a bold move to tackle drug abuse from the inside out, 20 individuals in recovery have begun specialized training in Praia to become community leaders in the fight against addiction. The initiative, launched on Monday, aims to turn personal stories of struggle and survival into a powerful tool for social change across Cape Verde.
Turning Lived Experience into Community Action
The week-long training program focuses on equipping participants with essential skills in leadership, communication, and emotional management. By the time the program concludes on Friday, these individuals will be prepared to lead awareness-raising efforts and monitor at-risk youth within their own neighborhoods.
Minister of Justice Clóvis da Silva, speaking at the opening session, emphasized that the participants bring a level of credibility that traditional experts often lack. “It is one thing for us to explain the harm of drug addiction; it is a very different thing coming from someone who has lived through that ordeal,” da Silva said. He noted that their unique perspective—having faced the consequences of addiction and successfully navigated the path to recovery—is a resource that cannot be replicated by academic training alone.
A Comprehensive Approach to Prevention
Promoted by the Garah Foundation and hosted at the University of Santiago, the curriculum goes beyond the basics of addiction prevention. Participants are delving into self-esteem building, self-control, and assertive communication. A significant portion of the training is dedicated to public speaking, preparing the group to share their stories of overcoming adversity in schools and community centers.
Gá da Lomba, president of the Garah Foundation, framed the initiative as a cornerstone of the organization’s work with vulnerable populations. “The Garah Foundation believes that the experience of overcoming addiction, when paired with the proper tools, can be transformed into a powerful force for social intervention,” he stated.
A Call for National Cooperation
While the training empowers individuals, da Lomba stressed that the fight against addiction requires a united front. He called for a coordinated response involving the state, civil society, local entrepreneurs, and families to ensure that both prevention and social reintegration efforts are successful.
As these 20 trainees return to their communities, they will serve as the frontline of the Garah Foundation’s outreach programs, acting as mentors and symbols of hope for those still struggling with substance abuse.
Image: Pexels – Piotrek Wilk
