Healthcare workers and educators from across Guyana gathered in Georgetown in June 2025 for a three-day Substance Abuse Training through the SPAR Project. The sessions empowered them to better support individuals at risk, fostering care, compassion, and gaining an understanding of early intervention in their communities.
In June 2025, the Safeguarding the Human Dignity and Rights of Populations At-Risk (SPAR) Project successfully conducted a three-day Substance Abuse Training for 35 healthcare workers and educators at the Ministry of Health’s National Centre for Educational Development (NCERD) in Georgetown. The training was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Unit and Drug Demand Reduction Unit and was generously supported by Global Affairs Canada. Akash Persaud, Ministry of Education Representative was present as well.
The sessions were facilitated by Dr. Travis Freeman and his team, including Ms. Liselle Somwaru and Ms. Odess Baker, and focused on practical skills using the ASSIST-DIT tool developed by PAHO/WHO. Participants learned when and how to use the tool, best practices for administration, scoring and interpretation, and how to link screening results to appropriate interventions. The training also included role-playing exercises, guidance on addressing poly-substance use, and a model of behaviour change to support clients effectively.
“It was truly inspiring to see passionate healthcare workers and educators come together to strengthen their skills in addressing substance use,” said Shameena Haniff, Country Manager at IDRF Guyana. “By enhancing their ability to identify and support individuals at risk, this training helps ensure that more people in our communities receive timely care and support, and that fewer individuals suffer in silence.”
This training is a critical step toward strengthening mental health and substance abuse support in Guyana. More broadly, this initiative fosters healthier, more resilient communities, where early identification and intervention can reduce harm, improve wellbeing, and build trust in local health and education systems.
This workshop underscores the SPAR Project’s commitment to empowering professionals and communities alike to respond to substance abuse challenges with confidence, compassion, and evidence-based approaches.
