By Foday Moriba Conteh

The Jennifer Thompson Organization, in collaboration with Feed the Hungry Sierra Leone, on Thursday 12th March 2026 held a “Say No to Kush” awareness campaign alongside a feeding programme for young people at Bomeh in the eastern part of Freetown. The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to various communities by both organizations to combat the growing abuse of Kush, a harmful substance increasingly affecting young people across Sierra Leone.

During the event, organizers engaged community members particularly youths through sensitization sessions on the dangers of drug abuse, while also providing meals to victims and vulnerable young people in the area.

In her address, the Chief Executive Officer of the organization, Jennifer Lahai Thompson, emphasized the importance of sustained community sensitization in addressing the rising abuse of Kush among young people. She noted that through ongoing efforts led by community advocates and organizations, deliberate steps are being taken to educate, engage and empower youths to make informed and healthy life choices.

“These initiatives are aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of Kush, promoting healthy lifestyles and providing support systems for those at risk,” she said.

She described Kush as more than just a drug, warning that its impact extends beyond individuals to families, communities and national development. “Kush is not just a drug. It is a threat to our communities, our families and our national development,” she stressed.

According to her, open conversations about drug abuse, stronger support networks and sustained awareness campaigns are critical to breaking the cycle of addiction and reversing the trend. She reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to continuing outreach efforts aimed at curbing substance abuse and promoting healthier lifestyles among young people.

Also speaking at the event, Prince Jackson Junior, Programmes Director at Feed the Hungry Sierra Leone, described the Kush crisis as a national disaster requiring urgent intervention. He said the organization collaborated with the Jennifer Thompson Organization to combine awareness with humanitarian support for affected youths.

Prince Jackson Junior disclosed that he was once a victim of Kush but has since overcome addiction and now advocate to help others break free. He emphasized that beyond awareness, providing food support was essential, noting that many affected youths struggle with hunger, which worsens their condition.

“In most cases, people come to talk to these young people but we decided to go beyond that by also providing food. While the drug is killing some of them, hunger is also a contributing factor,” he said.

He called for collective action, urging Government and other organizations to intensify efforts in addressing the crisis, which he said continues to claim the lives of many young people.

The Secretary General of the organization, Abdul Osman, also underscored the need for coordinated efforts involving Government institutions, parents, educators, community leaders and youths in tackling the menace. He called for increased collaboration to provide rehabilitation, counseling and alternative opportunities for affected individuals.

He commended the CEO, Jennifer Lahai Thompson, for her passion and continued support toward initiatives aimed at improving the lives of young people in Sierra Leone.

Chairman of the Bomeh Community, Maligie Koroma, expressed appreciation to both organizations for what he described as a timely and impactful intervention.

He noted that the awareness campaign and feeding programme have brought hope to many youths in the community who are struggling with substance abuse and economic hardship.

Maligie Koroma added that such outreach programmes not only provide immediate relief but also raise awareness on critical social challenges affecting communities. He called for sustained advocacy and community-driven action to curb the spread of Kush and promote healthier lifestyles among young people.

The event attracted a large turnout of community members, particularly youths, who actively participated in the sensitization sessions and benefited from the feeding programme. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/jennifer-thompson-organization-feed-the-hungry-combine-anti-kush-campaign-with-feeding-outreach-in-bomeh/