Ilala Youth Foundation Center

Ilala Youth Foundation Centre is starting a program; “Drug Free Basketball”, which will help raise awareness to the youth about the perils of drugs and similarly promote basketball as a sport in the country. Reports reveal that substance abuse among adolescents continues to be a growing concern globally and in Tanzania. Available information further divulges that the drug problem among youth both

in and out of school is on the rise. While it is generally believed that many adolescents who engage in experimental use of drugs do not progress to regular use, some progress and experience more chronic and severe substance related problems that persist into adulthood. Without having to delve into further details, evidence also shows that those adolescents who receive support from their families, schools, and the community at large are; less likely to involve themselves in substance use behaviour, perform well in school, develop positive identities and grow up to be responsible adults in their families, society and at work. Therefore, it with a firm view of the aforementioned promise that “Drug Free Basketball” aims to alleviate this anomaly in Ilala district to commence with, and the broader region at large. Basketball will thence serve as a tool to decrease and prevent the number of drug users in the country. Basketball has been chosen as a medium for this fight against drugs because of its potential to attract youth involvement in the program and similarly its dormancy as a sport at the national level.