TANGA: EFFORTS to combat drug abuse among young people in Tanga City are continuing to yield positive results as the Focus on Youth, Not the Substance project expands its reach, helping young people recover from addiction while preventing others from engaging in substance use.
The project is being implemented across all 27 wards of the Tanga City Council under the TangaYetu programme, covering 178 streets through community outreach, referrals to treatment and rehabilitation services, and public awareness campaigns.
Speaking in Tanga, Said Bandawe, the Executive Secretary of the Gift of Hope Foundation and a former drug user in recovery, said the project is already bringing significant transformation to communities.
“Our vision is a Tanzania that is fully aware of the effects of drug abuse. Our mission is to serve communities by educating the public on drug-related issues and connecting people with the support services they need,” Bandawe said.
He explained that the organization focuses on four key areas: linking people to treatment and rehabilitation services, addressing drug-related health challenges such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB), economically empowering young people, and supporting women affected by substance use.
“We focus on connecting young people to treatment and rehabilitation services so they can overcome addiction. We also address health issues such as HIV/AIDS and TB while encouraging testing and access to healthcare services,” he added.
Bandawe said the project also prioritizes youth economic empowerment to help young people move away from risky behaviours and become productive members of society.
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“Our third goal is to economically empower young people so they can leave risky behaviours behind and actively contribute to the economy,” he said.
He further noted that the organization supports women who use drugs while promoting reproductive health awareness and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
Under the TangaYetu programme, Bandawe said the Focus on Youth, Not the Substance project is being implemented in partnership with the Tanga City Council, with funding from Foundation Botnar and technical oversight by Innovex.
“Through the TangaYetu programme, we are implementing this project across all 27 wards of Tanga City. The project is progressing well, with a wide range of activities being carried out in communities,” he said.
Bandawe, who struggled with drug addiction for 22 years before achieving recovery, said his personal journey forms the foundation of the organization’s work.
“I have lived experience. I was born here in Tanga and was introduced to drugs at a very young age. I battled addiction for approximately 22 years before I finally sought help and recovered,” he said.
He identified loneliness, peer pressure, inadequate parental care, and misinformation as some of the leading factors driving drug abuse among young people.
“Many people turn to drugs in search of happiness, but in the end they become dependent and are unable to function without them,” Bandawe said.
Reflecting on his childhood, he explained that emotional neglect and an unstable family environment exposed him to substance use at an early age.
“There was loneliness. I did not grow up in a stable home with both parents. That emotional void led me to join peer groups on the streets, where I was introduced to drugs,” he said.
Community Development Officer Simon Mdende said the ongoing interventions are producing encouraging results, attributing the progress to the strong collaboration between the government, civil society organizations, and development partners.
Meanwhile, Tanga City Deputy Mayor Khalid Rashid said that although the achievements are encouraging, greater community participation remains essential to identify people struggling with addiction, connect them to appropriate services, and protect young people from becoming involved in drug abuse.