The inaugural Universal Prevention Curriculum Core course training by the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP) for Africa, successfully concluded with the participation of 29 drug demand reduction professionals in Tanzania. This was the first professional training conducted under the prevention curriculum in Tanzania.

The prevention specialized Core training was organised in collaboration with the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority of Tanzania from the 23 to 27 September 2024 in Morogoro, Tanzania with funding support from the U.S Department of State/Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). Participants included 12 female and 17 male professionals from 12 different districts, representing various sectors, including education, health, and government institutions.

The prevention core course comprised ten key competency development sessions, employing a participatory and practical approach to enhance the learning experience. The training included PowerPoint presentations, experiential exercises, energizers, and group and individual activities, all based on the Universal Curricula Trainer Manual. Contextual illustrations relevant to Africa and Tanzania were used to support participants’ understanding of the concepts.

At the conclusion of the Core Module: Application to Practice, participants learned about tools and methods for applying their newfound knowledge in practice. They also developed their professional development plans, outlining future strategies based on Evidence-Based Interventions (EBI). The exemplary leadership qualities demonstrated by the Tanzanian team underscored their commitment as prevention professionals to implement these interventions and achieve a meaningful impact within their communities.

Resource persons from The Colombo Plan included Dr Elizabeth Njani from Kenya and Mr Rogers Mutaawe from Uganda.