“Unplugged – Hum Saath Hain” is a prevention program aimed at educating and empowering youth to avoid the pitfalls of addiction, especially drug abuse. The program is based on a European prevention initiative and has been adapted to Pakistan’s cultural context by the Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation (KKAWF) in collaboration with various government ministries, international organizations, and educational institutions. The program focuses on promoting healthy and positive behaviors while addressing the prevention of drug abuse among students aged 13-16 years.

Here are some key details about the program:

1. Background and Foundation: The Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation (KKAWF) is dedicated to transmitting knowledge and life skills to young people to help them steer clear of addiction. The foundation has been implementing a modified version of a successful European prevention program since 2017.
2. European Commission Funding: The Unplugged program was originally funded by the European Commission and has been effectively implemented in various countries worldwide.
3. Adaptation to Pakistani Context: The program was adapted to suit Pakistan’s specific cultural needs by the Pakistani branch of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Pakistani version is named “Hum Saath Hain,” which translates to “We Are Together.”
4. Target Audience: The program targets students in the age group of 13 to 16 years, typically attending grades 8-10 in schools.
5. Teacher Training: Teachers participating in the program undergo specific training modules that enable them to effectively teach the program’s content to their students. This ensures that teachers are well-prepared to convey the necessary knowledge and skills.
6. Interactive Learning: The program employs interactive teaching methods to make the learning process engaging and interesting for the students. This approach enhances the effectiveness of the program.
7. Collaborative Efforts: The program’s implementation involves collaboration between KKAWF, the Ministry of Narcotics Control, the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training, European Union (EU), and other international entities such as EU-Act, FIIAPP, EU-Dap, Hogent University Belgium, and OGDCL.
8. Training Period: The training program “Unplugged – Hum Saath Hain” was conducted from July 2021 to November 2021. During this time, around 400 teachers were trained from both public and private educational institutions.
9. European Master Trainers: The teachers’ training took place in Islamabad at the Oil & Gas Training Institute (OGTI) in I-9. The training was facilitated by European Master Trainers, including Mr. Peer van der Kreeft (Co-Creator of the Programme), Mr. Johan Jongbloet, Ms. Oihana Rementeria, Dr. Akanidomo Ibanga, Ms. Helena Fialova, and Mrs. Lubna Ghani Hayauddin (International Master Trainer and Educational Consultant KKAWF).
10. Life Skills Program: The core focus of the program is to equip students with life skills that help them navigate challenges and make informed, positive life choices. The ultimate goal is to prevent drug abuse and foster healthier behaviors.

The “Unplugged – Hum Saath Hain” program underscores the importance of preventive education and equipping young people with the tools they need to lead productive and drug-free lives. It brings together various stakeholders to collectively address the issue of addiction in Pakistan’s youth.