Youth Stand Up has launched a campaign aimed at encouraging the youth to avoid the use of drugs, and instead use their talent to improve their lives and participate in activities designed to develop the country.

Held under the theme, "The impact of arts against drugs in the youth”, the campaign was launched last Friday in Gatenga, Kicukiro District.

Youth Stand up is a Kigali based organisation that brings together young people with different talents such as music, art and filmmaking, among others. It also deals in youth advocacy and campaigns for youth through arts.

According to organisers, the campaign will be held annually and anti-drug abuse messages will be delivered through art and musical performances.

Speaking at the event, Frank Cyiza, the Vice president of Youth Stand Up, challenged the youth to develop their talent and skills as a way of occupying themselves.

"The youth have different challenges that hamper their development. The most disturbing challenge is drug abuse and we are committed to fight that through awareness on the consequences of drug abuse through art,” said Cyiza.

"We expect our messages to inspire the youth in particular, and the society at large,” he added.

The event featured performances by upcoming Afrobeat crew TBB. "Drugs are very dangerous. You know many people believe that most artistes use drugs before going on the stage but it is not true. In TBB, we do not use drugs and we are here to prove that and play our part so that we can end drug abuse among the youth,” said Benjamin, one of the trio, as he urged the youth at the event to avoid using drugs.

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