With the aim of effectively contributing to the treatment of addictions, the Cyprus Youth Organization and the Department of Nursing Services of the Ministry of Health implement the "I know what I want" program.
The educational program "I know what I want" is designed for teenagers aged 12-14 and their parents, with the aim of preventing the use of addictive substances. It is based on the life skills education approach and has been adopted by many European and Middle Eastern countries.
The ultimate goal of the program is to strengthen mental resilience, and improve psychosocial skills, offering training in critical thinking, decision-making, and emotion management, to create a supportive network.
The duration of the program is 12 meetings in school time and it develops critical skills as it raises awareness of social influences. It is implemented by certified prevention and/or addiction counselors, ensuring high quality in the provision of services.
With the participation of schools such as Paluriotissa High School, Laniteio High School, Agro High School, Lefkara High School, Kokkinochoria High School and Polemio High School, the program is a major effort to empower young people with skills that will equip them for the challenges of their daily life.
As the President of the Youth Organization, Kleanthis Koutsoftas, emphasized, demonstrating the Organization's commitment to promoting the well-being of young people, "The psychosocial empowerment of young people is our highest priority at the Youth Organization and for this reason we gladly responded to the call of the Nursing Services Directorate, for to cooperate in the implementation of the "I know what I'm asking for" Program, with the aim of preventing the use of addictive substances. Through the program we will provide useful life skills, which will empower the people who take part in successfully responding to the challenges of their own daily lives.
The Director of Nursing Services of the Ministry of Health, Evagoras Tambouri, stated that through the implementation of the program, the Directorate of Nursing Services of the Ministry of Health implements the "I know what I'm asking for" Program within the framework of the Preventive Mental Health Nursing Program "Exelixis", responding to the requests of Secondary Schools".
