BAPS Participates in East Africa Youth Forum on Drugs, Arusha
205 delegates • 8 countries • 3-day youth forum
BAPS representatives participated in the East Africa Youth Forum on Drugs 2026, a three-day forum that brought together 205 delegates from eight countries – Tanzania, Zanzibar, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, South Africa, Turkey and Seychelles – to discuss the growing challenges of substance abuse and explore collaborative solutions for prevention and youth empowerment.
The forum was organised by the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA) Tanzania, Care for All, Slumchild Foundation and Apar Foundation. It brought together youth leaders, government representatives, civil society organisations, health professionals, faith-based organisations and community stakeholders to exchange ideas and strengthen partnerships aimed at creating drug-free communities.
Throughout the three-day forum, participants engaged in discussions on drug prevention, mental health, youth leadership, rehabilitation and community-based approaches to addressing substance-use challenges.
The sessions highlighted the importance of empowering young people with knowledge, positive values and supportive environments that enable them to make healthy life choices.
BAPS contributed to the discussions by sharing its commitment to character development, value-based education and youth empowerment. Through its spiritual, educational and community-service initiatives, BAPS continues to inspire young people to lead disciplined, purposeful and addiction-free lives.
The forum also provided an opportunity to highlight the important role that faith-based organisations can play in strengthening resilience and promoting positive social change among young people.
The forum concluded with a closing ceremony officiated by Mr Aretas Lyimo, Commissioner General of the Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (DCEA). He commended the participants for their dedication and encouraged young people to remain drug-free and become ambassadors for prevention within their communities.
He also emphasised the collective responsibility of families, educators, faith-based organisations, governments and communities in safeguarding future generations from the dangers of substance abuse.