The I Stand Against Substance Abuse Project

Two-Year Pilot Program

🎯 Project Overview

The I Stand Against Substance Abuse (ISADA) Project is a groundbreaking school-based advocacy initiative led by HeFA Addiction Recovery Place (HARP). This comprehensive program is specifically designed to empower young people, particularly senior high school students across Ghana, to make informed choices, resist drug abuse, and transform into positive change agents within their communities.

Recognizing that substance abuse—particularly marijuana use—remains a critical challenge among Ghanaian youth, with experimentation beginning as early as 10–12 years, ISADA takes a proactive preventive approach. Rather than waiting for addiction to take root, we reach students at the crucial decision-making stage of their lives, combining evidence-based education, peer support systems, and powerful lived experiences to create lasting behavioral change.

This innovative initiative represents a paradigm shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention, establishing schools as safe havens and centers of resilience where young people are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and support networks necessary to make healthy life choices and resist the pressures that lead to substance abuse.

🎯 Core Program Components

ISADA addresses the most critical aspects of youth substance abuse prevention through a multi-layered approach that combines peer education, professional guidance, and community engagement. Our comprehensive strategy ensures that every participant gains practical knowledge, emotional support, and leadership skills to create positive change in their school environment and beyond.

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Educational Resources & Support
Provision of free exercise books, learning materials, and educational resources to ISADA club members. These materials include prevention curricula, peer education guides, and interactive learning tools that help students understand the risks of substance abuse and develop healthy coping strategies.

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Peer Leadership Training
Comprehensive training programs for student leaders and school patrons, developing their capacity to lead prevention activities, facilitate peer discussions, and provide initial support to students struggling with substance-related issues. This creates a sustainable support network within the school environment.

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Advocacy & Awareness Campaigns
Student-led campaigns, competitions, retreats, and advocacy activities that raise awareness about substance abuse prevention. These initiatives empower students to become vocal advocates for drug-free lifestyles while reaching their peers through culturally relevant messaging and activities.

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Counseling & Mentorship
Professional counseling services and structured mentorship programs connecting students with trained counselors and recovery advocates. This provides immediate support for students at risk while creating pathways for early intervention and professional treatment when needed.

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Academic Excellence Support
Scholarship opportunities and academic support for outstanding ISADA members who demonstrate leadership in substance abuse prevention. This creates positive incentives while recognizing students who contribute meaningfully to creating drug-free school environments.

💰 Start-Up Budget & Expected Impact

ISADA requires comprehensive start-up funding to establish a strong foundation for sustainable impact. Our evidence-based budgeting ensures maximum efficiency while delivering measurable results that demonstrate the value of investing in youth substance abuse prevention.

The two-year pilot program is designed to create lasting change that extends far beyond the initial investment period, establishing self-sustaining prevention networks in participating schools.

170,000

Total Budget (GHS)

50+

Schools Targeted

5000+

Students Reached

Budget Breakdown (GHS)

Program Development & Setup: 25,000

Awareness & Launch Activities: 30,000

Training & Capacity Building: 40,000

Club Resources & Member Support: 50,000

Monitoring & Administration: 25,000

🤝 Partnership & Sponsor Benefits

Supporting ISADA offers significant value for donors and partners who share our vision of creating a drug-free generation. Your investment directly contributes to measurable social impact while providing meaningful brand visibility and recognition.

What Your Support Provides:

✅ Free exercise books and learning resources for ISADA members
✅ Professional training for student leaders and school patrons
✅ Counseling services and structured mentorship programs
✅ Scholarship opportunities for outstanding prevention advocates
✅ Transformation of schools into centers of prevention and resilience

Partner Recognition & Benefits:

🌟 Brand Visibility: Featured on campaigns, materials, and school events
🏆 Recognition: Champion status for youth development and drug prevention
📊 Impact Reporting: Annual updates showing measurable life changes
🌍 Global Alignment: Contribution to SDG 3 (Good Health) & SDG 4 (Quality Education)

Together, we can transform schools into safe spaces and equip young people with the tools they need to live healthy, purposeful lives while resisting the pressures that lead to substance abuse.