By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
In a significant stride towards combating drug abuse among children, The Eye Opener Tobacco/Substance Abstinence Club’s Innovation’s Founder, Mrs.
Margaret Kwa’ada Julius, an alumna of the Ecolink Institute of Well Being India, has led a pioneering drug prevention initiative at the Nana Berry Orphanage in Nasarawa State.
The event titled: The Eye Opener Tobacco/Substance Abstinence Club’s Innovation: 80 Poems for Prevention Professional for Child and Youth Awareness”, was held on Global Drug Day, 26th June 2024, with focus on educating and engaging the less privileged children on the dangers of drug abuse and smoking.
The initiative, which also marked the Inauguration of the Tobacco/Substance Abstinence Club and the Launch of “80 Poems for Prevention Professionals for Child and Youth Awareness,” commenced at 10:00 am with National Anthem, followed by a welcome address from the head teacher, Mrs. Bilinda Joseph.
The Abstinence club, according to statement on Wednesday, is aimed at enlightening the children and foster a drug-free lifestyle through innovative and creative methods.
Margaret Kwa’ada Julius delivered an insightful briefing on the objectives of Tobacco/Substance Abstinence Club and the significance of the 80 poems.
She emphasized the importance of early drug prevention education and the role of creative tools in making a lasting impact on young minds.
Press Club of Nana Berry Orphanage covered the event, commending the Ecolink Institute of Well Being for their exceptional training programs and support.
Highlight of the day was the recitation of poems by children from various educational levels, which reinforced the anti-drug message.
The poems, in line with the 2024 theme “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” captivated the audience and underscored the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
The initiative received enthusiastic feedback from both the children and the orphanage management, adding, “Children were particularly excited about the poems and the concept of the Abstinence Club”.
The orphanage management expressed their gratitude to Mrs. Margaret for her innovative approach, recognizing the potential of the poems to maintain children’s awareness about their health and mental well-being”, it stated.
Mrs. Bilinda Joseph praised Margaret Kwa’ada Julius, the “WHO No Tobacco 2021 to 2024 Award winner in Africa region”, for her outstanding efforts and pledged to include drug prevention programs in the school calendar.
She noted that the poems would facilitate their work in protecting the health of the children.
Annabel Akushi, a participant, appreciated the uniqueness of the program, highlighting its potential to enhance children’s mental health protection.
Mrs. Amina Zubairu, a teacher at the orphanage, expressed satisfaction by the initiative and promised to integrate the poems into their educational activities.
“Margaret Kwa’ada Julius’ drug prevention initiative marks a significant milestone in the fight against drug abuse among less privileged children and youth in Nasarawa State.
“The innovative use of poetry as a preventive tool demonstrates the power of creative education in fostering a drug-free generation.
“The orphanage community looks forward to promoting health and well-being, inspired by the impactful work of Margaret and the Ecolink Institute of well being”, she stated.
