GEORGE NEWS - Georgian Freddy Trout founded People against Substance Abuse (Pasa) in 2006 because he was struck by the destruction that alcohol and drug abuse caused in the lives of young people.

The organisation is aimed at making a difference in the lives of the youth in the Garden Route. Freddy has a background of drug abuse, alcohol addiction, gangsterism and violence, a destructive path from which he managed to escape. He wanted to share his life story with young people and started visiting schools in and around the Garden Route. The response was incredible.

In 2008, his youngest brother, Wayne Windvoël joined him after a ten-year addiction to various drugs and alcohol. Two years later they invested in a multi-media package called 'Bound' and received training to facilitate a lifeskills programme in schools called 'Living lives of pupose'.

The package consists of a short film of about 16 minutes, manuals and various DVDs that they use to make an impact on young people's lives. The programme is endorsed by the National Qualifications Authority and the Provincial Drug Forum.
It is a comprehensive, informative and exciting programme touching on all aspects of teenage smoking, drinking, risky sexual activity and drug abuse. "It is written in such a way that a teenager can identify with the material and get involved in the programme," says Freddy.

"Our children do not have the skills to deal with a changing society, family relationships are broken or non-existent, and our younger generation is spiritually malnourished. South African schools face serious challenges, including violent crime, drug addiction and lack of parental involvement. There is a desperate need for change in attitudes and I believe with my whole heart that the 'Living lives of purpose' project has the potential to reach the youth and make a difference in their lives."
The programme communicates with the teenager and issues are dealt with through tasks and monitoring feedback. It focuses on awareness and prevention.

Grade 8s most vulnerable
"Research shows that Grade 8 (13-year-old) children are the most vulnerable to peer pressure. I've witnessed it too in my years of experience as a drug addict. This is a crucial age of physical, emotional and spiritual development.

"Alcohol and drugs are manufactured to turn our children into addicts, to damage their vital organs, especially the brain, and to steal them and their future. We want Grade 8s to become focused and to impart vital lifeskills to them, so that they can be smart, take a stand and be prepared to deal with peer pressure and negative forces within society and themselves," says Freddy.

Parents
Pasa also presents information sessions at businesses where they talk to employees who are parents, focusing on the dangers posed by alcohol and drug abuse. "Most parents are not well-informed about the dangers of drugs," says Freddy.
They started the new year with a session for parents at Pennypinchers last week and will be returning for follow-up sessions.

Schools or businesses who are interested in their programmes, may phone Freddy on 071 090 4450 or Wayne Windvoël on 078 459 3107. They offer these sessions for free.


Freddy Trout, founder of Pasa, talking to employees during an information session.