Global Action for Sustainable Development-GASD

23/05/2026

The Global Action For Sustainable Development (GASD) has officially launched the Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE) School-Based Intervention Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to reduce substance use among young people through prevention, early intervention, and sustained school engagement.

The SAFE Program is an evidence-based approach that strengthens three key areas within schools: school policy, prevention curriculum, and school climate. It supports schools in developing clear guidelines on substance use, integrating structured prevention education into learning systems, and fostering a positive, safe, and supportive environment where students can thrive.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Youth and Sports called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, schools, parents, community leaders, and youth organizations to address the growing challenge of substance abuse among young people. She emphasized that protecting the future of Liberia’s youth requires a united and sustained national effort.

For her part, the Assistant Minister for Students Personnel Services at the Ministry of Education highlighted the importance of active student participation in the fight against substance abuse. She encouraged students to serve as peer educators and advocates for healthy choices within their schools and communities.

The Vice President of the Liberia National Students Union (LINSU) commended GASD for the initiative and reaffirmed LINSU’s commitment to supporting the SAFE Program nationwide. He noted that student leadership will play a critical role in sustaining awareness and promoting drug-free school environments.

Overall, the SAFE Program adopts a structured school-based prevention model that targets three groups of students: those with little or no exposure to substances, those considered vulnerable, and those who have experimented but are not yet dependent. Through coordinated school policy reform, prevention education, and improved school climate, the program aims to build healthier, safer, and more supportive learning environments across Liberia.

23/05/2026

The Global Action For Sustainable Development (GASD) has officially launched the Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE) School-Based Intervention Program, a comprehensive initiative designed to reduce substance use among young people through prevention, early intervention, and sustained school engagement.

The SAFE Program is an evidence-based approach that strengthens three key areas within schools: school policy, prevention curriculum, and school climate. It supports schools in developing clear guidelines on substance use, integrating structured prevention education into learning systems, and fostering a positive, safe, and supportive environment where students can thrive.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Youth and Sports called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, schools, parents, community leaders, and youth organizations to address the growing challenge of substance abuse among young people. She emphasized that protecting the future of Liberia’s youth requires a united and sustained national effort.

For her part, the Assistant Minister for Students Personnel Services at the Ministry of Education highlighted the importance of active student participation in the fight against substance abuse. She encouraged students to serve as peer educators and advocates for healthy choices within their schools and communities.

The Vice President of the Liberia National Students Union (LINSU) commended GASD for the initiative and reaffirmed LINSU’s commitment to supporting the SAFE Program nationwide. He noted that student leadership will play a critical role in sustaining awareness and promoting drug-free school environments.

Overall, the SAFE Program adopts a structured school-based prevention model that targets three groups of students: those with little or no exposure to substances, those considered vulnerable, and those who have experimented but are not yet dependent. Through coordinated school policy reform, prevention education, and improved school climate, the program aims to build healthier, safer, and more supportive learning environments across Liberia.

18/05/2026

Join us!!!

17/05/2026

17/05/2026

Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD) conducted a substance abuse prevention survey at William V.S. Tubman High School as part of the SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environment) school-based program.

The survey engaged approximately 25% of the student population to gain a deeper understanding of the current realities students face regarding substance abuse, peer pressure, mental health, and other risk factors affecting learning and student well-being.

The assessment aims to provide reliable data that will inform evidence-based prevention programs, student support services, awareness activities, and early intervention efforts within the school.

The survey findings will be officially released during the launch and pilot phase rollout of the SAFE Program on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the William V.S. Tubman High School.

23/04/2026

Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD) extends profound birthday wishes to Mr. Wilfred Korvah. Mr. Korvah coordinates the ex*****on of our Peer Education training program across Monsterrado. Your professionalism, teamwork and kindness make it an absolute pleasure to work with you.

Thanks for always being such a supportive and hardworking teammate.

Happy blissful birthday celebration and continue to impact lives through volunteerism.

17/04/2026

MEDIA ALERT

Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD) has commenced preparations for the launch of the Community Participation Program to Strengthen Drug Demand Reduction in Liberia, with a focus on peer education in Electoral District 11, Montserrado County.

As part of these efforts, GASD held a strategic planning meeting with the Gardnersville Township Commissioner and key stakeholders to coordinate activities ahead of the official launch and the certification of the first batch of trained peer educators.

The initiative aims to empower communities through awareness, prevention, and grassroots engagement in addressing substance use challenges.

Thanks to the team supervised by Wilfred Korvah, District focus person and team members.

15/04/2026

Happy Birthday! 🎉 Christopher Saah Bangaou

Wishing you a day filled with appreciation and a year ahead full of continued success and growth. Your professionalism, dedication, and positive impact on the team do not go unnoticed. We’re grateful to have you with us and look forward to achieving even more together.

Enjoy your special day!

13/04/2026

𝐆𝐀𝐒𝐃 𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦

Monrovia, Liberia — The Global Action for Sustainable Development (GASD) has taken a major step toward tackling substance abuse in schools with the rollout of Liberia’s first evidence-based, school-based prevention intervention.

The initiative officially began with an inception meeting bringing together the Prevention Leadership Action Team (PLAT), a diverse group comprising school administrators, PTA members, alumni representatives, students, and GASD staff. The session focused on orienting stakeholders to the program’s framework, including the Terms of Reference (TOR) and implementation timeline.

At the center of the initiative is the Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE) School-Based Intervention Program, a comprehensive approach designed to equip students with essential personal, interpersonal, and drug resistance skills. The program adopts a participatory model, ensuring that schools and communities are actively involved in shaping and sustaining prevention efforts.

As part of the rollout, GASD will conduct a thorough review of existing school substance abuse policies and work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop updated, evidence-based policies. In addition, the program will introduce a structured prevention curriculum and train teachers to effectively deliver it, while also promoting widespread awareness and adoption of the new policies within the school environment.

The SAFE Program aligns with international best practices and meets global standards consistent with the Universal Prevention Curriculum. Its design is informed by student survey data, archival research, and direct input from the PLAT, ensuring that interventions are tailored to the specific realities within schools.

The program also emphasizes a three-pronged strategy focusing on school policy, school climate, and prevention curriculum. By addressing these core areas, GASD aims to create a supportive environment that fosters healthy decision-making and reduces the risk of substance use among students.

The pilot phase is being implemented in partnership with Tubman High School, with strong leadership from Principal James Fallah and the school’s focal point for the initiative, James Kessellie. Their collaboration has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for the program’s success.

GASD’s SAFE Program Manager, Christopher Saah Bangoau, is leading the initiative, underscoring the organization’s commitment to advancing evidence-based solutions to pressing public health challenges.

Through this pioneering effort, GASD aims not only to address substance abuse in schools but also to establish a sustainable model that can be expanded nationwide, ultimately contributing to healthier, safer learning environments across Liberia.

07/04/2026

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to our weekly engagement list! 🎉

Wilfred Korvah, Alex Deah, Patience Derrick

10/11/2025

What’s Really in the $1.2B Draft National Budget for the Drug Crisis?

As the nation battles a deepening substance abuse emergency, eyes are on the $1.2 billion draft budget—will it finally deliver real action on prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement, or repeat old promises?

In the coming days, we will present a detailed justification for the establishment of a specialized, and dedicated institution to coordinate and lead the national efforts. This will be supported by an independent impact evaluation analysis of the Multi-Sectoral Steering Committee’s reported activities from January 2024 to June 2025.

We will also provide a compelling case for a comprehensive audit of the multi-sectoral steering committee’s operations by the GAC.

Our team will engage key members of the legislature and other stakeholders to advance this critical conversation.