Rector Pascal, founder and government director of the We Are Now not Thugs Initiative and the Rector Pascal Basis, has known as for larger reinforce for younger other people struggling with substance use, stressing the significance of rehabilitation, dignity and moment probabilities.
He made the decision throughout a consultation titled “Beginning Once more: The Energy of 2nd Possibilities” on the 6th version of the DARE Convention, held in Abuja on October 16 and 17, 2026.
The convention, organised by means of YouthHubAfrica beneath the theme “Adolescence Energy as a Pathway to Africa’s Long term”, introduced in combination greater than 1,000 younger Africans, each in particular person and just about, to talk about well being, governance, schooling, entrepreneurship, and formative years participation in Africa’s construction.
Right through his consultation at the opening day, Pascal drew on his grassroots paintings with susceptible communities in Lagos, together with Shitta, Surulere and Mushin, to spotlight the demanding situations confronted by means of younger other people suffering with substance use.
Throughout the We Are Now not Thugs Initiative, he advocates an manner that prioritises reinforce, restoration and dignity over stigmatisation and judgment.
The initiative’s philosophy is that younger other people coping with habit will have to no longer be outlined by means of their struggles however will have to have get admission to to the help had to cope with underlying problems, rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.
Pascal additionally shared insights from restoration reports, group clinical outreaches, aftercare reinforce and storytelling campaigns, illustrating how sustained help can assist younger other people regain balance and function.
His consultation shaped a part of wider discussions on the convention on tactics to enhance formative years participation in Africa’s construction. The development featured panel discussions, interactive classes, performances and conversations involving well being execs, policymakers, younger advocates and artists.
The convention centered at the position of younger other people in addressing demanding situations throughout key sectors and figuring out alternatives to give a contribution to the continent’s long term.
Pascal’s participation introduced consideration to where of psychological well being reinforce, rehabilitation and restoration in formative years construction, in particular for younger other people suffering from substance use and social stigma.
YouthHubAfrica organises the DARE Convention to offer a platform for younger Africans to replace concepts and talk about sensible approaches to construction around the continent.
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