ACRC

The ACRC Kush Transition Fund will focus on one community in Freetown, building on local efforts to combat Kush use. The project seeks to support the implementation of solutions tailored to the community’s specific needs.

Activities:

Reform Coalition and Stakeholder Engagement – This coalition will consist of diverse groups including government representatives, youth leaders and community organisations. Regular meetings will be held where stakeholders can share insights, coordinate efforts, and develop a unified approach to tackling the Kush crisis.

Public Advocacy and Government Collaboration – The project acknowledges that addressing Kush use requires not only community-based solutions but also broader policy changes. Therefore, advocacy efforts will focus on creating a supportive policy environment reducing Kush use and its associated impacts on youth. This will involve engaging with policymakers and government officials to push for reforms that address the social, economic, and environmental factors contributing to the Kush crisis.

Support Services and Referral Systems – A core component of the project is the creation of a robust support system for individuals affected by Kush use. The initiative will establish referral pathways to connect Kush users with support services.

Team members:

Muallem Kamara:  Project Coordinator, holds a master’s degree in international Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid and is currently pursuing a master’s in research and Public Policy. He has over a decade of experience in research, monitoring, evaluation and project implementation.

Ibrahim Bangura – Senior Researcher -Safety and Security

Dr Kars de Bruijn – Senior Researcher- Safety and Security

Richard Backarie – Researcher at Codohsapa

Francis Reffel – Informal Settlement/ Codohsapa lead

Dr John Kabba – Oversight and project support- Member of the Advisory Group, holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a specialisation in Social and Administrative Pharmacy. Dr Kabba is proficient in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies