The Smart Club Contract Concept: An Evidence-Based Primary Prevention Method for Children in East Africa

The Smart Club Contract Concept: An Evidence-Based Primary Prevention Method for Children in East Africa

by Lubega Andrew (UYDEL)

The Contract Concept is a means or tools for children and adolescents to lead better lives with Human Rights, better school attendance and results and growing up without the burden of alcohol/drugs and other substances.

SMART’s contract method is locally based and includes components such as

• individual contracts with participating children / adolescents
• guardian's written approval
• temporary membership
• voluntarily to be a member (or abstain) and the right to exit
• the right to come back (even after any exclusion)
• consequence in breach of contract
• positive reinforcement, encouraging the good choices (benefits)

Everyone (in the target group) is equally welcome, regardless of creed, race, and gender.

The goal is to support children and adolescents to gain control of their lives s, assist them in making better and informed smart choices, demanding for their fundamental Human, Gender Rights.

By introducing a Smart Club Concept we empower kids to never to start drinking/smoking/sniffing solvents or even trying narcotics but. Instead they can engage in fun or educative activities, make new friends and become aware of their Rights. They start demanding equal rights, democratic decisions. Some change from truants, who seldom go to school, to become interested in education, understand that it’s up to them how their grown-up lives will be. We work for making them change attitudes and show ambitions hence contributing to sustainable goal 3 and 4.

The concept was introduced by Smart International’s Slim Liden and the first Smart Club in Uganda –was established at Makerere COU Primary School by Uganda Youth Development Link followed by subsequent clubs in Kiteezi center for learning and disability by My self-Uganda  and one Children And Youth Empowerment Link in Kanyanya.

The contract concept is also being implemented in Kenya by Mr. George Ochieng under the Slum child Foundation and in West Africa.