Raising girls and young women of courage and character, agents of positive change
No to Alcohol and Drugs
Rwanda Girl Guides Association believe alcohol and drugs may be the root causes of conflicts and violence in our communities.
Alcohol has always been a part of Rwandans lives. In the past, the culture used to glorify alcohol, so people grew up ignoring the real effects and consequences of alcohol use. The dealers have benefited from this weakness to fuel other harmful substances such as drugs, and a high percentage of alcohol and drugs in the country is produced in the informal sector making it easily available and accessible.
Sadly the vice has brought more harm than good with its far reaching consequences. In some parts of the country, alcohol and drugs consumers are using up a tremendous amount of their incomes – causing stagnant development. The rate of uneducated and unproductive youth increases, leading to entrenched poverty, and girls and women are abused or killed.
In collaboration with IOGT-NTO International, AGR has committed to raise awareness of this issue and prevent and reduce harm caused by alcohol and other drugs so to grow a responsible generation.
IOGT-NTO Movement International Institute is a Swedish Temperance Organization that aims to contribute to a world free from the harmful consequences of alcohol and other drugs.
Since 2013, AGR has been conducting project on "Alcohol and Drug Prevention among Children and Youth" in four districts at the boarders of boarders of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Rwanda. Those districts are Rubavu (West), Rusizi (West), Nyagatare (East), Burera (North). These districts are the channels of almost all regional drugs and alcohol drinks that circulate inside the country. The project have touched more than 30,000 youth in the select areas.
Through non-formal tactics, more than 30,000 children and youth have discovered effects of alcohol and drugs on their lives and the society in general. The programme has empowered them enough to stay in school, stop illegal alcohol/drugs business and live a clean life. It has also reached parents, teachers and authorities to sensitize them to protect their children from beverages and exposing them to harm.