DUSHANBE, October 28, 2011, Asia-Plus -- The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) section of the U.S. Embassy awarded more than $300,000 in grants to local and international non-governmental organizations covering all four regions of Tajikistan as part of INL’s 2011-2012 Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) Program, according to the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe.

Six local NGOs and one UK-based international organization were given grants to combat drug abuse and help prevent people from becoming drug users.  The seven projects selected will promote healthy lifestyles among vulnerable groups through educational campaigns and sports, dance, theatre, and other activities.  The Embassy has sponsored DDR-themed events in the past, including Karate, Judo, and Bodybuilding Tournaments, but these are the first grants to local NGOs for long-term projects.

The potential spillover of drugs from Afghanistan makes Tajikistan’s population highly vulnerable to drug abuse. NGOs Khurshed, Nur, Prestige, the Investigative Journalism Сenter, the National Olympic Academy, Dast ba Dast, and the Children’s Legal Center will work to prevent and reduce drug abuse through peer-to-peer education, educational materials, counseling, mass media campaigns, cultural events, renovation of sports facilities, and athletic competitions.  The activities of the NGOs are aimed at providing at-risk populations with the information and skills to make healthy decisions.

The campaign will be highlighted by an anti-drug themed concert in Dushanbe this November and similar cultural events held around the country.  This program also includes the partial renovation of the Ispechak Sports Club in Dushanbe and athletic facilities near Khorog.  DVDs of the concert and a short documentary about the life of drug users will be distributed as part of the campaign.

The United States Government is committed to continuing its support and assistance to the people of Tajikistan.