The Democratic Republic of Congo represents one of SUPE’s most impactful partnerships to date. Through a dedicated collaboration with the Congolese Network of People Who Use Drugs (CNPWUD), substance use prevention education has reached over 1,000 students in just a matter of months — a testament to the urgency, commitment, and organizational strength that CNPWUD brings to this work.
CNPWUD is a grassroots network with deep roots in Congolese communities, uniquely positioned to deliver prevention education in a way that resonates with local youth. Their understanding of the cultural, social, and economic realities facing young people in the DRC gives the SUPE program a powerful foundation. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach, CNPWUD has embraced SUPE’s evidence-based curriculum and adapted its delivery to meet students where they are.
The results have been remarkable. In a country where access to structured prevention programming has historically been limited, CNPWUD’s educators have brought age-appropriate, engaging, and factually grounded lessons directly into schools and youth settings. Students are learning the real risks of substance use, how to recognize peer pressure, and how to make informed decisions that protect their health and futures.
This partnership reflects SUPE’s broader mission: to empower local organizations with the tools, training, and resources they need to educate the next generation — because prevention works best when it comes from within the community. As CNPWUD continues to expand its reach across the DRC, SUPE is proud to stand alongside them. Together, we are building a generation of informed, resilient young people equipped to say no to substances and yes to a healthier future.
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8100+
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3800+
Our School Program
Our program meets students where they are, developmentally, socially, and emotionally. Rather than delivering a one-size-fits-all message, we tailor every lesson to the specific age group we’re working with, recognizing that a sixth grader and a high school junior face very different realities when it comes to drugs and alcohol. By delivering age-appropriate information, practical tools, and honest conversation at each stage, we help students build the knowledge and judgment they need for the challenges actually in front of them. The result is a program that feels relevant and real to every student we reach, because it was designed with them specifically in mind.
Alcohol Lessons (students 6-10 years old)
88%
said they now knew more about alcohol.
92%
said they now understand why kids shouldn’t drink alcohol.
Marijuana Lessons (students 11-13 years old)
90%
said they now know more about marijuana.
73%
felt that marijuana was more dangerous than they previously thought.
95%
felt more confident in their ability to make decisions regarding marijuana.
98%
said they are now less likely to use marijuana or would not consider using it at all.
While our impact can be measured in lessons delivered, schools reached, or students trained, what matters most to us are the lives behind those numbers. Every child, every parent, and every teacher carries a story, and it is these real, personal transformations that show the true heart of our work. Our program is built on relationships, trust, and genuine human connection, and the voices of those we serve reflect that far more than statistics ever could. Below are some of the stories shared by families, educators, and partners whose experiences remind us why we do what we do: to stand with young people, to support them, and to help them make safer, healthier choices for their future.
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My child came home and explained to me what he had been taught and what he retained from the SUPE and CNPWUD video about the dangers of alcohol and cannabis. From this video that he watched, I realized that my young son is now capable of protecting himself against peer pressure leading to the consumption of alcohol and cannabis; he feels fear when these substances are mentioned to him.
Mother of a student who participated in the drug education program
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We appreciate the teaching provided by this video about the dangers of alcohol and cannabis. It allows our students to overcome ignorance regarding the harmful effects of alcohol and cannabis; children become victims of these substances due to a lack of solid knowledge, which would enable them to stand firm against any reasons leading to drug use. Therefore, we request that the CNPWUD and SUPE team also come to train the teachers in our school so that we ourselves can begin educating our students, through life skills classes, about toxic substances.
Academic dean of Complexe scolaire ANTIOCHÉ school
