Youth Take the Lead in the Fight Against Substance Abuse at Umfolozi TVET College

In response to these challenges, the Adolescent and Youth-Friendly Services (AYFS) team from Sundumbili Community Health Centre, in partnership with Soul City Institute for Social Justice, hosted a Youth Dialogue on Substance Abuse at Umfolozi TVET College, Sundumbili Campus.

The dialogue created an opportunity for students to have honest conversations about substance abuse and the pressures they experience in their everyday lives. Rather than simply telling young people what choices to make, the session encouraged open discussion and allowed students to share their experiences, concerns and perspectives.

Creating space for honest conversations

Young people can face a range of pressures that influence the decisions they make, including peer pressure, social environments and the desire to fit in.

The dialogue provided students with a supportive environment to talk about these realities and consider the consequences of substance use. Students were encouraged to make informed and responsible choices, understand when they may need support and know where they can access health and other services.

These conversations are important because substance abuse prevention is not only about saying no to drugs. It is also about ensuring that young people have access to information, supportive networks and services that enable them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Bringing health services closer to young people

The engagement also connected students with health services through the outreach team and Community Health Workers.

Services provided included:

• Family planning

• Health screenings

• Blood pressure checks

• HIV Testing Services (HTS)

Bringing these services directly to spaces where young people study helps reduce barriers to accessing information and healthcare.

Young people need information, support and access

Youth dialogues such as this create opportunities for young people to ask questions, challenge misconceptions and connect conversations about substance abuse with broader issues affecting their health and well-being.

For Soul City Institute, working with communities and partners to reach young people where they are remains an important part of creating healthier and more informed communities.

The message from the dialogue is clear: young people deserve access to information, support and services that help them make informed choices about their futures.

Say no to substance abuse. Speak up. Seek support. Know your options.