Keepin’ it REAL pilot program in Windhoek-based schools, Namibia
The University of Namibia (UNAM) has begun implementation of an internationally recognized, evidence-based curriculum on advancing youth substance use prevention life skills, known as keepin’ it REAL (kiR). The abbreviation REAL stands for Refuse, Explain, Avoid and Leave. It was pilot in four Windhoek-based Primary Schools in Namibia, exploring the feasibility, applicability and utility of the kiR program among Grade 7 learners in four primary schools in Namibia. This transformative step towards youth substance uses prevention marks the first time the kiR curriculum, widely celebrated for its success in promoting youth resilience and life skills across various countries, unfolded in the heart of Namibia.
A dedicated research team from the University of Namibia (UNAM), led by Professor Rachel Freeman, Head of UNAM Cares and Associate Professor in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Namibia, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Basic Education, Arts and Culture has embarked on the groundbreaking pilot study.
At its core, the keepin’ it REAL curriculum empowers learners (adolescents) with skills for life to make informed, confident, and healthy decisions. Through ten interactive 45-minute lessons, learners develop vital substance use resistance skills, strengthen decision-making abilities, and reinforce positive, substance-free attitudes. The activities are designed to reflect real-life scenarios that Namibian youth encounter, encouraging learners to practice communication, assertiveness, and problem-solving in a safe, guided environment. “This project is more than a study — it’s an investment in the next generation by equipping learners with practical life skills and knowledge. Through this life skills program, we are helping them to navigate the challenges of adolescence with confidence, purpose, and resilience” says Prof. Freeman.
The UNAM research team has partnered with eight primary schools in Windhoek for the pilot phase of which four schools were randomly selected as the Experimental schools, and the other four schools participated as the control schools. In August 2025, the participating teachers completed a comprehensive training workshop as kiR- Facilitators, which introduced them to the kiR curriculum and its interactive teaching approach.
Educator preparation is at the heart of implementation and is a core pillar of the program’s success. The teachers play a central role in engaging students, facilitating dialogue, and tailoring lessons to reflect the cultural and social context of Namibian communities. Throughout the implementation phase, teacher reflections both from training sessions and classroom experiences have been collected to enrich the study’s findings and inform future program adaptation. “Teachers are the cornerstone of this initiative, and their enthusiasm and insights ensure that the curriculum resonates with learners — not as an external idea, but as a shared, lived experience” adds Prof Freeman.
Implementation of the kiR program is expected to conclude by the end of 2025, after which the UNAM team will conduct a detailed data analysis to assess outcomes related to learner attitudes, knowledge, and behaviours around substance use. The findings from research will offer critical insights and real-world impact into how evidence-based prevention programs can be adapted and scaled across Namibia, contributing to regional and global discussions on effective, culturally grounded youth health interventions.
This pioneering project underscores UNAM’ s ongoing commitment to evidence-driven, community-centered research that bridges science, education, and social wellbeing. This we envisage to achieve by uniting global best practices with local expertise into local educational and public health systems. Prof Freeman and her team are setting the foundation for a national model of a culturally informed school-based substance use prevention, with a vision for healthier Namibian communities, aligned with broader goals for public health and youth empowerment. “Our young people are our greatest resource, and when we invest in their wellbeing, we are investing in the nation’s future.” Prof Freeman concludes.