Give Childhood a Chance and Keep Youth Drug Free!

“Thanks to the work of the Blue Cross, I once again have dreams. I would like to learn a profession in which I can support children and youth in their development.“ 

22-year-old Dinestand from Congo's capital Brazzaville has a perspective on life again. Before, things looked different: His past was marked by drugs, alcohol and violence. As a member of a youth gang, the young Congolese consumed cannabis and alcohol on a daily basis. He missed several years of school and there was no help in sight. Many families and educators in African countries are not informed about alcohol and drug problems, and there are insufficient laws to protect young people. 

“Poverty and violence determine the everyday lives of many of us young people here. Alcohol and drugs are easily available and cheap. Once you are part of a gang, there are always alcohol and drugs circulating, and it's quite difficult to stop,“ Dinestand says. 

He found help in the IBC Life Skills program, which a friend introduced him to. He began to exchange his youth gang meetings with meetings with the Blue Cross group. Dinestand has since sworn off drugs, is back at school, and is working to combat harmful alcohol and drug use in his community. “It wasn't until the Life Skills classes that I realized how much harm I was doing to myself and others with my consumption. Thank you IBC for helping me change my life for the better!“ 

With you donation, we can support young people like Dinestand in Africa! Thank you very much.