(Paynesville, September 23, 2025) – The Ministry of Health has kicked off a Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop on substance use disorders, arming 315 peer educators from Montserrado and Margibi counties to lead the fight against drug abuse.

The training was conducted by the Mental Health Unit of the Ministry at the Ali Bin Abii Talib Arabic and English School in Paynesville, targeting 15 schools and seeks to establish health clubs to lead peer-to-peer campaigns against drug abuse.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Famatta William Innis, Deputy Director of the Mental Health Unit, praised students for their commitment and urged them to become change agents.

“We are depending on you to go back and teach your peers everything you will learn here today. You can only remain focused on your dreams when you say no to drugs. After today’s training, you will serve as ambassadors in your schools and communities,” she told participants.

The program covers ten schools in Montserrado and five in Margibi, including the Ali Bin Abii Talib School System, Police Academy Public School, Booker Washington Institute, and St. Christopher Catholic School.

The training is part of an effort to strengthen mental health awareness, curb substance abuse among youth, and build sustainable peer-led advocacy structures in schools.