The National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) Youth Ambassadors earned a triumphant victory for Jamaica at the second Caribbean Youth Forum on Drug Use Prevention, hosted by the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) in Nassau, Bahamas. 

The team’s achievement includes securing a coveted US$1,000 seed fund to support their groundbreaking project, ‘U-Turn from Substance Misuse (U-Turn Ja)’.

The winning NCDA Youth Ambassadors team comprises Natalia Burton, a youth leader hailing from the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean, along with youth participants Tobey Ottey from the University of Technology, and Gabrielle Bryan from the University of the West Indies, Mona.

In May, the group embarked on developing a locally targeted project proposal to promote drug use prevention among Jamaican youth.

The Jamaican team showcased their innovative prowess and dedication during the rigorous Caribbean Youth Forum held from July 29 to August 4, competing against representatives from 13 other Caribbean countries.

Immersed in intensive training sessions and collaborative efforts, they focused on crafting a practical project proposal for local implementation. Their diligent work was put to the test when they presented an elevator pitch summarising their proposal to a panel of international professionals on August 31.

Outshining competitors, Jamaica secured one of three coveted US$1,000 seed funds, propelling their project forward.

Dubbed “U-Turn from Substance Misuse (U-Turn Ja.),” the team’s initiative is poised to launch its pilot in January 2024. Functioning as an interactive and informative after-school program, the project will manifest as a school club in two selected high schools in Kingston. This unique program has a syllabus which is meticulously designed to sensitize young participants to a comprehensive range of substance abuse-related topics over a span of 10 weeks.

Created collaboratively by team members, NCDA officers, and other professionals, the program aims not only to raise awareness about the perils of substance use, but also to address underlying factors contributing to initiation of use. By providing alternative coping mechanisms and life skills training, the project strives to equip students with the tools necessary to embrace a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. Their mission extends beyond individual growth, encompassing positive impacts on peers, family, and community members.

As their visionary initiative gains momentum, the team of determined young women appeals to the nation for widespread support in addressing this pressing issue. They call upon the Ministry of Health and Wellness, as well as other stakeholders, to rally behind their cause, championing its expansion beyond the pilot phase. The NCDA Youth Ambassadors stand united in their commitment to mitigating substance misuse and fostering a brighter future for Jamaica’s youth.

 The National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA) Youth Ambassadors are dedicated advocates for substance abuse prevention in Jamaica. Comprising talented and passionate young individuals, they strive to create impactful initiatives that contribute to a healthier, drug-free future for the nation’s youth.