UNAM Advances Youth Substance Use Prevention in Namibia
A study in Namibia is exploring how an evidence-based prevention program can help young people develop the skills to make healthy decisions about substance use.
The project brings together the University of Namibia (UNAM) and Arizona State University’s Global Center for Applied Health Research (GCAHR) to pilot keepin’ it REAL (kiR) in primary schools in Windhoek. The program teaches students practical strategies for navigating situations involving substance use while strengthening communication, decision-making and other life skills.
Funded by GCAHR, the study is led in Namibia by Professor Rachel Freeman, Head of UNAM Cares and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at GCAHR. Researchers are working alongside local schools and teachers to explore how keepin’ it REAL can be adapted to the experiences and cultural context of young people in Namibia.
The University of Namibia recently featured the project, highlighting the study and the people helping bring the program into local classrooms.