Kick Drugs Out: Basketball for 500 Youth At-Risk

Dear donors,

Over the past months, we have continued to prepare for the launch of the “Kick Drugs Out: Basketball for 500 Youth At-Risk” project in Abuja. Although the funds raised so far are not enough to begin full implementation, we have stayed active in community engagement, partner outreach, and youth mobilisation to ensure that once resources allow, the project will begin without delay. The challenges facing young people in the target areas remain severe. Many are still exposed to drug use, peer pressure, unstable schooling, and unsafe streets. This makes our work even more urgent.

During this period, our team carried out assessments in the selected communities, identified possible practice locations, and met with local coaches willing to support the programme once it starts. We also held small mentorship discussions with youth groups. These sessions focused on the risks of tramadol, codeine, cannabis, and other substances, while encouraging them to stay in school and avoid gang activity. Even though these efforts are limited, they are helping us gain trust and build early connections, which will make the full programme stronger.

Your support remains vital. While implementation has not yet begun, your contribution ensures that the project stays active and that families know help is coming. Once fully funded, the project will roll out weekly basketball training, life-skills workshops, mentorship, and school-support activities for 500 youth. This will offer safe spaces, reduce drug exposure, and guide them toward healthier and more hopeful paths.

Thank you for standing with us at this early stage. Your belief in this work keeps us moving forward as we continue to seek the remaining resources needed to start.

With appreciation,
Joy Ojochogwu Etubi
Project Leader