The Union of Young Communists (UJC) and the Recording and Musical Editions Company (Egrem) has launched the national campaign “To Avoid Falling,” a strategy to combat drug use, especially among young people.
At the Manolito Aguiar Pre-University School in the Havana municipality of Marianao, the official presentation of the music video by the duo Buena Fé, which shares the campaign’s name, took place, along with a meeting with teenagers and young adults in rehabilitation.
Deniel Hechavarría Montero, a 19-year-old in treatment, explained that what began as minimal drug use eventually turned his life and his family’s into a disaster. His addiction led him down a dark path and brought him close to death on numerous occasions.
After a year and eight months of sobriety, Hechavarría Montero affirmed his intention to study medicine. He expressed his gratitude for this opportunity to the Adolescent Rehabilitation Center (CDA), which supported him through one of his most difficult periods, and to his pre-university teachers, who helped him complete his final year of high school.
Xavier Delgado Rojas, 22, also in recovery, stated that his struggle with addiction caused him to waste years of his life, during which he couldn’t enjoy his family and became trapped in a world that left him feeling empty inside. However, thanks to the treatment he is receiving, he has regained his hope.
From his own experience, Delgado Rojas advised young people never to follow the path he took, because it only leads to destruction.
Dr. Elizabeth Céspedes Lantigua, director of the CDA (Center for Drug Addiction), pointed out that drug addiction is a deadly disease, making it essential to work systematically with patients so they can overcome their condition and reach their full potential.
She emphasized that this center, part of the Ministry of Public Health and established 20 years ago, has the mission of helping young people in a battle they cannot win alone.
Israel Rojas, leader of the duo Buena Fe, commented that the music video accompanying the campaign is simply a wake-up call to the public about the consequences of addiction, and highlighted that the courageous participation of young people facing this situation in the video is the best message that can be conveyed to raise awareness about this problem.
The meeting was attended by Meyvis Estévez, First Secretary of the National Committee of the Young Communist League (UJC), other members of the organization, representatives from the Egrem (Cuban Association of Radio and Television Producers), students, professors, and representatives from different sectors of society.
“To Avoid Falling” has a national scope, as discussions and cultural exchanges will be held in schools and communities throughout the country to address the issue.
In a recent press conference, Cuban authorities explained that despite an international landscape characterized by increased drug production and consumption, Cuba remains steadfast in its fight against this phenomenon, through initiatives and laws that promote the country’s zero-tolerance policy toward drug use.
IMAGE CREDIT: Jessica Jimenez Gainza | Photos: Luis Jiménez Echevarría
[ SOURCE: AGENCIA CUBANA DE NOTICIAS ]
