Since 2017, the African Institute for Children Studies (AICS) has collaborated with the Global Center for Applied Health Research and the Center for Child Well-Being at Arizona State University (ASU) to implement the evidence-based keepin’ it REAL substance use prevention program. The acronym “REAL” stands for four key resistance strategies: Refuse, Explain, Avoid, and Leave—empowering young people with practical life skills to resist peer pressure and make informed choices.
This curriculum-based intervention, already implemented across all 50 U.S. states, Mexico, and Kenya, has proven effective in preventing early drug and alcohol use among children and adolescents. In Kenya, AICS—through its Youth Hub—has introduced keepin’ it REAL in schools, contributing to improved school retention, academic performance, and youth well-being. The Government of Kenya is now considering nationwide adoption of the program.
Our partnership with ASU continues to grow as we plan to scale this model to other African countries. Through this program, we are not only building resilience among youth but also laying the foundation for a healthier, more productive future generation.
We are now seeking donor support to expand this work in the U.S. through community-based centers in Boston (MA), New Jersey, and Arizona. Our goal is to enroll 150 young people in a 10-week structured program that includes mentorship, peer group sessions, and life skills education. Your contribution will directly support:
- Meals and healthy snacks for participants
- Safe and accessible meeting venues
- Program facilitation and management
- Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting to track impact
We are deeply grateful for the continued support of Arizona State University’s Global Center for Applied Health Research and our local partners such as UHAI for Health Inc. in Boston.
Join us in shaping a drug-free future for our youth—your investment today can change lives tomorrow.
