Substance Abuse Free Environment (A School-Based Intervention Program) Official Launch

Global Action for Sustainable Development-GASD Launched First-Ever Evidence-Based Substance Used Disorders Prevention in Liberia. 

The Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE) School-Based Intervention Program is designed as a comprehensive, school-based prevention model that seeks to develop and enhance students’ personal, interpersonal, and drug resistance skills. It aims to introduce, implement, and sustain evidence-based substance abuse prevention initiatives in schools across Liberia through a participatory and inclusive approach that engages students, school authorities, and community stakeholders.

The SAFE Program is driven by data-informed decision-making, using findings from student-school surveys, archival data, and inputs from the Prevention Leadership Action Team to identify the root causes and prevailing trends of substance use in schools. This ensures that all interventions are grounded in the real experiences of students and are tailored to meet the unique needs of each learning environment. By understanding the local context and substance-related challenges, the program targets its efforts across universal, selected, and indicated student populations to maximize impact and sustainability.

At the heart of the SAFE Program is a commitment to fostering a drug-free school culture through the development of comprehensive school policies, the implementation of evidence-based prevention curricula, and the improvement of overall school climate. These interconnected strategies are designed to support students in making healthy lifestyle choices, resisting peer pressure, and building resilience against the lure of harmful substances. The program also promotes accountability and leadership among school staff and student leaders to ensure consistent enforcement and ownership of prevention efforts.

The SAFE Program seeks to create and maintain safe, supportive, and drug-free educational environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through strong institutional partnerships and a collaborative implementation framework, the program contributes to national efforts aimed at addressing substance abuse among youth, improving public health outcomes, and strengthening Liberia’s human capital development. SAFE is not only a program, but also a movement toward a healthier, more hopeful future for Liberia’s next generation.

Christopher Saah Bangaou, SAFE Program Manager, SUD Prevention Professional specialized in School and Environment-Based Prevention. 
"Healthy Choices, Healthy Life,Say no to Drugs Abuse"