Spotlight on Dishon: New Youth Focal Point for ISSUP Kenya
Stepping into this new chapter of my life as the newly elected Assistant Treasurer and Youth Focal Point of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Kenya is both humbling and exhilarating. My name is Dishon Nyambu Mwachofi, a 25-year-old student living in Kenya.
Growing up I have always had the heart to help and be there for those struggling because I felt where they were coming from, having come from a similar situation myself. That’s how I found psychology—it was the perfect lens through which I saw the world and a means to create real change. This passion led me to pursue a degree in Counselling Psychology at Daystar University, a decision that would define the course of my life.
Like many students, I faced the daunting task of choosing an area of specialization during my final semester. My internship with a rehabilitation center was the game changer. My time there opened my eyes to the realities of addiction, the resilience of those in recovery, and the urgent need for dedicated professionals in the field.
This experience transformed my perspective, and I knew I had found my calling. Determined to deepen my knowledge and skills, I pursued specialized training in Chemical Dependency and Addiction Counseling at the Support for Addictions Prevention and Treatment in Africa (SAPTA) College.
Over the past year, I have devoted much of my time to volunteering at children’s homes and rehabilitation centers. I’ve seen first hand how substance use affects individuals, families, and entire communities. This journey led to an unexpected yet life-changing opportunity in June 2024—I was invited to a youth conference on substance prevention in Thessaloniki, Greece.
Thessaloniki 2024 – Youth Forum
The conference was nothing short of incredible. I connected with young people from around the world, all sharing the same passion for substance use prevention. Seeing so many like-minded individuals working towards the same goal was both inspiring and motivating. I had the unique privilege of representing African youth during the closing ceremony, where I emphasized the critical role young people play in the fight against addiction. It was a defining moment for me, reinforcing my belief that prevention is the most powerful tool we have.
One of the most impactful lessons from the conference came from Mr. Phaedon Kaleterakis, the president of ISSUP Greece, who shared a powerful message: "A dollar spent on prevention can save up to ten dollars in treatment." This simple yet profound statement highlighted the importance of prioritizing preventive measures. Another unforgettable encounter was meeting Zili Sloboda, the president of Applied Prevention Science International. Her words of encouragement and continued support have been invaluable as I navigate this field.
Beyond the conference, I have stayed connected with ISSUP youth worldwide, exchanging ideas and supporting each other. We were tasked with developing projects to implement in our respective countries, and I proposed a program focused on training youth champions using the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC). I hope to see this initiative come to life, empowering young people to lead prevention efforts in their communities.
Now, in my new role at ISSUP Kenya, my mission is clear—I want to reach more young people, raise awareness, and foster meaningful conversations about substance use prevention. I plan to organize webinars, engage youth in discussions, and equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves and others. The fight against addiction is not a solo battle; it requires collective effort, and I am committed to ensuring that the voices of young people are heard and valued.
This journey has only just begun, but I am ready for the challenge. Together, we can create a healthier, brighter future for our generation and those to come.
