In a bid to curb alcohol abuse, Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) has teamed up with the University of Namibia to promote awareness on responsible consumption among students.
The two entities made the announcement in a recent media statement.
This proactive approach aims to equip students with practical tools to handle challenges related to responsible alcohol consumption. The training is believed to be more effective than simply providing information as it empowers students to make informed choices by addressing real-life scenarios.
The involvement of peer counsellors is a strong feature, as students often feel more comfortable engaging peers. These methods are engaging and allow for hands-on learning.
For the next 12 months, the project will start by training Unam peer educators and counsellors on responsible and moderate alcohol consumption. The aim is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and carry out similar training sessions on other students across all 12 Unam campuses countrywide.
NBL will contribute N$200 000 annually in support of responsible alcohol consumption. The funds will be directed towards initiatives promoting responsible consumption, with a focus on educating and raising awareness within the communities.
“We are dedicated to promoting responsible alcohol consumption across Namibia, with a particular focus on educating the future leaders of our country. In collaboration with our local university, we are committed to raise awareness among young people about the dangers of alcohol abuse and encouraging responsible behaviour to foster a positive cultural shift within student communities,” said Peter Simons, managing director of NBL.
The latest project, launched at Unam’s Annual Christmas in October event last month, will begin with a ‘Train the Trainer’ session in early December, involving nearly 200 peer counsellors and educators. “Partnering NBL on this initiative highlights our commitment to fostering a culture of responsibility and informed decision-making among our students. At Unam, we recognize the significant role young people play in shaping the future of our nation. This programme will not only provide our students with essential knowledge on responsible alcohol consumption, but will also empower them to become ambassadors of positive change within their communities,” said Unam vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu.