Give Childhood a Chance and Keep Youth Drug Free!

At the Blue Cross, we invest in youth. We believe that they are the key to our future - a pool of talent, ideas and energy – that can play a critical role in reducing drug and alcohol related harm. That is why so many of our projects around the world focus on teaching children the skills and knowledge they need to make informed decisions in order to live a healthy life. We teach them leadership skills, build their confidence and provide them with opportunities to practice their new skills in after-school activities and clubs. In this report, we would like to share with you some testimonies from high school students in East Africa.

“Hello, my name is Salma. I am a student in the sixth class from LIMI and former President of CVC club (life skills). I am delighted to be the only girl who is President among the four clubs that exist. As a girl, when I present myself as Club President, others think that I cannot lead a group of girls and boys. But I can hold my mandate. The Blue Cross has done for us huge things. I realized that with ambition and sufficient self-esteem also a girl can reach important goals. We can get to where we want, you just have to follow your dreams to achieve it.

Salma - Itno High School

My name is Masrabaye. I am 16 years old and a member of the life skills club of Lycée de la Concorde (high school) in Ndjamena, Chad. In fact, since the Blue Cross entered into my life it changed dramatically. Today, thanks to Blue Cross I feel proud in my youth. What really stood out for me was the peer educator’s training camp in Siloam. There was a complete mixing between young people from different schools, and no ethnic or religious discrimination. Muslims and Christians alike ate together in the same dish, regardless of sex. Personally I was surprised. I was surprised because in the old days, it is impossible to see a Muslim who is eating in the same dish with a Christian. Today, thanks to Blue Cross I find myself in a better life with friends, without distinction of race or religion. Since then, Christians and Muslims are all my own brothers, sisters and friends. I feel happy in this new life.

Masrabaye - Lycée de la Concorde High School

It is with the support of donors like you that Salma and Masrabaye have the opportunity to learn about the negative consequences of alcohol and drugs and how they can learn the skills to lead a healthy, happy life.

Thank you!