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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Meqoamia
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DTSTART:20240101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240924
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240925
DTSTAMP:20260410T191210
CREATED:20241014T165632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241014T165641Z
UID:5002-1727136000-1727222399@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:Joint on-site visit with EFDA\, AAFDA\, Police\, law enforcement\, MCDO and MWECS on Arada\, Kirkos\, Lideta and Gullele sub-cities – September 24\, 2024 -Gullele and Lideta sub cities
DESCRIPTION:This report summarizes the findings from a joint on-site visit conducted in Addis Ababa\, Ethiopia\, to assess the compliance of various establishments with Proclamation 1112/19 regarding tobacco regulation. The inspection was carried out by a collaborative group consisting of the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA)\, Addis Ababa Food and Drug Authority (AAFDA)\, the Ministry of City Development and Organization (MCDO)\, and representatives from the Gullele and Lideta sub-city AADFA branches. The primary objectives of the on-site visit were to: Evaluate the current status of establishments in relation to Proclamation 1112/19\, Determine adherence to tobacco regulations\, specifically regarding: Posting of no smoking signage\, Presence or absence of designated smoking areas\, and Management of cigarette butts and waste. The inspection group visited multiple establishments across Addis Ababa. The assessment criteria included: Visibility and placement of no smoking stickers\, Existence of designated smoking areas\, Cleanliness and management of cigarette waste\, particularly the presence of cigarette butts. The on-site visit revealed a mixed level of compliance with Proclamation 1112/19 among the establishments in Addis Ababa. While many locations are adhering to the regulations\, there are still significant gaps that need to be addressed to ensure a fully smoke-free environment.
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/joint-on-site-visit-with-efda-aafda-police-law-enforcement-mcdo-and-mwecs-on-arada-kirkos-lideta-and-gullele-sub-cities-september-24-2024-gullele-and-lideta-sub-cities/
CATEGORIES:Addiction Recovery,Addis Ababa Tobacco Smoke-free Initiative (AATSFI),Advocacy,Ethiopia Tobacco smoke free imitative,Inspection
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/photo_2024-10-13_11-50-47.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250228T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250320T180938
DTSTAMP:20260410T191210
CREATED:20250320T180938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250320T180938Z
UID:5024-1740729600-1742494178@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:Advocacy meeting with officials of the city administration (mayor’s office)
DESCRIPTION:February 28\, 2025; Harmony Hotel\, Addis Ababa\, Ethiopia \nThis report summarizes the outcomes of the Advocacy Meeting held for the Tobacco Control (TC) Project\, attended by representatives from the Mayor’s Office\, EFDA\, AAFDA\, and the sub-cities of Arada\, Kirkos\, Lideta\, and Gullele\, along with MCDO. The primary objective of the meeting was to strengthen political commitment and support for the TC Project amidst ongoing urban development initiatives. The meeting was organized into three sections: an introduction and recap of previous meetings\, presentations from MCDO\, AAFDA\, and representatives from Gullele and Arada sub-cities\, and a stakeholders discussion aimed at addressing key issues and formulating actionable strategies. \nThe meeting produced several important outcomes. First\, stakeholder discussions were essential in identifying key issues affecting the TC Project. Participants evaluated the current political commitment towards the project\, highlighting the need for sustained support from the City Administration. A significant concern raised was regarding the recent Corridor Development implemented by the City Administration\, which has led to the relocation or closure of many establishments\, necessitating an urgent assessment of its impact on tobacco control efforts. The last meeting underscored the critical need for renewed political commitment to the TC Project amidst ongoing urban development initiatives. Future priorities emphasized the importance of prioritizing communication\, integrating tobacco control measures in educational institutions\, and enhancing awareness through effective materials.
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/advocacy-meeting-with-officials-of-the-city-administration-mayors-office/
CATEGORIES:Addiction Recovery,Addis Ababa Tobacco Smoke-free Initiative (AATSFI),Advocacy,Ethiopia Tobacco smoke free imitative,Inspection,Tobacco
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250424
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250427
DTSTAMP:20260410T191210
CREATED:20250507T105143Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T105223Z
UID:5076-1745452800-1745711999@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:A Training held in collaboration with UNODC Ethiopia on Drug Dependence Treatment Federal prison commission High and Mid-Level Leadership.
DESCRIPTION:Training is underway for high and mid-level leaders of the Federal Prison Commission on Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) and SUDs Treatment and Recovery coaching. The theme of this training\, taking place from April 24-26\, 2025\, at the Pyramid Hotel and Resort in Bishoftu\, Ethiopia\, is “Addiction Recovery\, Relapse Prevention\, and Reduced Recidivism.” This training incorporates principles from the self-help book\, “Meqoamia – science of Addiction” recovery support. \n#Ethiopia #UNODC #FCC #MCDO \n” A Training held in collaboration with UNODC Ethiopia on Drug Dependence Treatment Federal prison commission High and Mid-Level Leadership. ” \n#drug_demand_reduction #Recovery #recoverycoach #recivismreduction #Ethiopianprison \n#addictionrecovery #relapsprevetion
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/a-training-held-in-collaboration-with-unodc-ethiopia-on-drug-dependence-treatment-federal-prison-commission-high-and-mid-level-leadership/
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addiction Recovery
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250424
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250427
DTSTAMP:20260410T191210
CREATED:20250507T110556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T110556Z
UID:5078-1745452800-1745711999@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:A Training held in collaboration with UNODC Ethiopia on Drug Dependence Treatment Federal prison commission High and Mid-Level Leadership.
DESCRIPTION:Capacity building training on Addiction Recovery\, Relapse Prevention\, and Reduced Recidivism. This training incorporates principles from the self-help book\, “Meqoamia – The science of Addiction” recovery support.\n*Knowing our Enemy (Addiction)\n\n\n“A Training held in collaboration with UNODC Ethiopia on Drug Dependence Treatment Federal prison commission High and Mid-Level Leadership.”\n\n\n#drug_demand_reduction #DDR #Recovery #recoverycoach #recivismreduction #Ethiopianprison #UNODC #FPC #MCDO #መቋሚያ-የሱስ ሳይንስ\n#addictionrecovery #relapsprevention
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/a-training-held-in-collaboration-with-unodc-ethiopia-on-drug-dependence-treatment-federal-prison-commission-high-and-mid-level-leadership-2/
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addiction Recovery
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250424
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250427
DTSTAMP:20260410T191210
CREATED:20250507T111506Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250507T111506Z
UID:5085-1745452800-1745711999@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:A Training held in collaboration with UNODC Ethiopia on Drug Dependence Treatment Federal prison commission High and Mid-Level Leadership.
DESCRIPTION:Capacity building training on Addiction Recovery\, Relapse Prevention\, and Reduced Recidivism. This training incorporates principles from the self-help book\, “Meqoamia – science of Addiction” recovery support.\n*Knowing our Enemy (Addiction)\n\n\n“A Training held in collaboration with UNODC Ethiopia on Drug Dependence Treatment Federal prison commission High and Mid-Level Leadership.”\n\n\n#drug_demand_reduction #DDR #Recovery #recoverycoach #recivismreduction #Ethiopianprison #UNODC #FPC #MCDO #መቋሚያ-የሱስ ሳይንስ\n#addictionrecovery #relapsprevention
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/a-training-held-in-collaboration-with-unodc-ethiopia-on-drug-dependence-treatment-federal-prison-commission-high-and-mid-level-leadership-4/
LOCATION:pyramid hotel and resort beshofitu
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addiction Recovery
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250602
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260607
DTSTAMP:20260410T191210
CREATED:20260410T133112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T133112Z
UID:5218-1748822400-1780790399@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:From Seychelles to Addis Ababa: MCDO’s Commitment to Pan‑Africanism and Youth Drug Prevention
DESCRIPTION:  \nIntroduction\nIn June 2025\, two MCDO representatives – Mr. Elias Kalayu and Ms. Sara Deguma – took part in the African Union’s “Training of Master Trainers for University‑Based Youth Engagement in Drug Prevention” held in Seychelles. This participation marks a major milestone for our organization. \nAlignment with MCDO’s Vision and Mission\nMCDO’s vision is “to foster a healthy\, drug‑free generation in Ethiopia and Africa.” Our mission is to scale up evidence‑based prevention education within universities and communities. The AU training perfectly aligns with both our vision and mission. \nThe 2025 Training as a Major Achievement\nWe consider the 2025 Master Trainers’ Training a major success for MCDO and for Ethiopian youth. Through this training we: \n\n\nExchanged knowledge and experience with representatives from 25 African countries. \n\n\nLearned modern\, youth‑engagement models (peer‑led\, evidence‑based). \n\n\nEstablished working relationships with Colombo Plan DAP and US INL. \n\n\nContribution of Elias Kalayu and Sara Deguma\nThe knowledge and skills our two representatives gained are a tremendous asset: \n\n\nElias Kalayu brings over 15 years of experience with UBAACM and successfully integrated that experience into the continental framework. \n\n\nSara Deguma ’s expertise in youth outreach and training design proved invaluable. \n\n\nFrom a Pan‑African Perspective\nPan‑Africanism is the foundational philosophy of the African Union. MCDO supports this mission by connecting Ethiopian youth with their peers across Africa. This training is an excellent example of continental unity and collaborative problem‑solving. \nFuture Plans\nTo put the learned knowledge into practice: \n\n\nWithin the next six months\, we will begin training master trainers in at least five Ethiopian universities. \n\n\nWe will align the UBAACM program with AU standards. \n\n\nWe will work with other African organizations to create a continental youth network for drug prevention. \n\n\nAcknowledgements\nWe extend our deepest gratitude to the African Union (AU)\, the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP)\, and the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) for their support. \nMCDO believes that this participation will make a significant contribution to a better tomorrow – not only in Ethiopia but across Africa and the world. \n#MCDO #PanAfricanism #YouthEmpowerment #DrugPrevention #AU #ColomboPlan #Ethiopia
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/from-seychelles-to-addis-ababa-mcdos-commitment-to-pan%e2%80%91africanism-and-youth-drug-prevention/
LOCATION:victoria seychelles
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addiction Recovery,Drug Demand Reduction,University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/photo_2025-06-07_11-15-23.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250602
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250607
DTSTAMP:20260410T191210
CREATED:20260410T134032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260410T134032Z
UID:5224-1748822400-1749254399@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:Elias Kalayu and Sara Deguma Complete AU Master Trainers’ Training on Youth Drug Prevention in Seychelles
DESCRIPTION:Victoria\, Seychelles – From June 2–6\, 2025\, the African Union (AU) hosted the “Training of Master Trainers for University-Based Youth Engagement in Drug Prevention” in Victoria\, Seychelles. Representing MCDO (Meqoamia Community Development Organization)\, Mr. Elias Kalayu Abrha and Ms. Sara Deguma successfully participated in and completed the training. \nThe training was jointly organized by the African Union Commission (AUC)\, the Colombo Plan Drug Advisory Programme (DAP)\, and the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). Recognizing that over 60% of Africa’s population is under 25\, the program aimed to scale up evidence‑based\, youth‑centered\, peer‑led prevention interventions in tertiary institutions across the continent. \nKey topics covered included: \n\n\nUnderstanding Substance Use Disorder \n\n\nPeer‑led prevention strategies \n\n\nCulturally appropriate intervention tools \n\n\nMr. Elias Kalayu stated: *“This training is a major boost for our University Based Anti-Addiction Community Movement (UBAACM)\, which we have been running in Ethiopian universities for over 15 years. The knowledge and skills we gained will significantly contribute not only to our country but also to continental drug prevention efforts.”* \nMCDO extends its gratitude to the African Union\, Colombo Plan DAP\, and US INL for this invaluable opportunity. The organization is committed to rolling out the learned models across multiple Ethiopian universities in the coming months to build a sustainable\, community‑driven prevention movement. \n  \nርዕስ፦ የኤልያስ ካልአዩ እና ሣራ ድጉማ በአፍሪካ ህብረት የወጣቶች አደገኛ ዕጽ መከላከል የማስተር አሰልጣኞች ስልጠና ተሳታፊዎች ሆኑ። \nቪክቶሪያ፣ ሲሸልስ – ከጁን 2–6፣ 2025 በሲሸልስ ውቅያኖስ ዳርቻ በተካሄደው የአፍሪካ ህብረት (AU) “Training of Master Trainers for University-Based Youth Engagement in Drug Prevention” መርሃ ግብር ላይ፣ የMCDO (Meqoamia Community Development Organization) ተወካዮች የሆኑት አቶ ኤልያስ ካልአዩ አብርሃ እና ወይዘሮ ሣራ ድጉማ ተሳታፊ በመሆን ስልጠናውን አጠናቀዋል። \nይህ ስልጠና በአፍሪካ ህብረት ኮሚሽን (AUC)፣ በኮሎምቦ ፕላን ዕጽ አማካሪ ፕሮግራም (Colombo Plan DAP)፣ እና በUS INL (Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs) በጋራ የተደራጀ ነበር። ስልጠናው ከ60% በላይ ወጣቶች ከአጠቃላይ ህዝብ ቁጥር የሚይዙት አህጉራዊ እውነታን መሰረት ያደረገ ሲሆን፣ ዋና ዓላማው በዩኒቨርሲቲዎች ውስጥ ተማሪዎችን ማእከል ያደረጉ፣ በማስረጃ ላይ የተመሰረቱ የመከላከል ፕሮግራሞችን ማስፋፋት ነበር። \nበስልጠናው ወቅት የተሸፈኑ ዋና ዋና ጭብጦች፦ \n\n\nየአደገኛ ዕጽ አጠቃቀም ዲስኦርደር (Substance Use Disorder) ግንዛቤ \n\n\nበወጣቶች የሚመራ የአቻ ትምህርት (peer-led) የመከላከል ስልቶች \n\n\nከአፍሪካ ባህል ጋር የሚስማሙ የጣልቃ ገብነት መሳሪያዎች \n\n\nኤልያስ ካልአዩ እንዳሉት፦ *“ይህ ስልጠና በኢትዮጵያ ዩኒቨርሲቲዎች ውስጥ ለ13 ዓመታት በላይ ስንሰራው ለነበረው University Based Anti-Addiction Community Movement (UBAACM) ትልቅ መነቃቃት ነው። የተማርነው እውቀት እና ክህሎት በአገራችን ብቻ ሳይሆን በአጠቃላይ አህጉራዊ የመከላከል ጥረት ላይ ከፍተኛ አስተዋጽኦ ይኖረዋል።”* \nMCDO ለአፍሪካ ህብረት፣ ለኮሎምቦ ፕላን DAP እና ለUS INL ይህን ትልቅ እድል በመስጠታቸው ምስጋናውን ይገልጻል። ድርጅቱ የተማረውን በመጪዎቹ ወራት በኢትዮጵያ በርካታ ዩኒቨርሲቲዎች ውስጥ በማሰማራት ዘላቂ ማህበረሰብ አቀፍ ንቅናቄ ለመፍጠር ቆርጧል።
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/elias-kalayu-and-sara-deguma-complete-au-master-trainers-training-on-youth-drug-prevention-in-seychelles/
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addiction Recovery,Drug Demand Reduction,Drug Prevention,University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://meqoamia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/AU3.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250919T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251002T170000
DTSTAMP:20260410T191210
CREATED:20251002T135829Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251003T110618Z
UID:5113-1758268800-1759424400@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:Incorporating Kolfe Keranio sub city (KKSC) AAFDA branch\, Community in the Tobacco Control Project.
DESCRIPTION:The September 19\, 2025\, meeting between AAFDA\, Kolfe Keranio sub city (KKSC) AAFDA branch\, and MCDO marked the official inclusion of KKSC in the Tobacco Control (TC) Project. The primary goals are to create smoke-free zones\, engage youth in prevention efforts\, and address illicit cigarette trade. Three blocks within KKSC will be designated as smoke-free\, and youth will be actively involved in anti-smoking campaigns and prevention training. These initiatives aim to reduce smoking rates\, particularly among younger populations\, and foster healthier\, tobacco-free environments in the community. To ensure long-term success\, the project will focus on community ownership and sustainability through capacity building and local leadership AAFDA\, MCDO and KKSC AAFDA branch\, which has created a donor account to support the initiative\, are committed to providing continuous resources and training. The meeting also highlighted the importance of integrating drug prevention training as part of the broader health education efforts in KK. This comprehensive approach is designed to create a lasting impact on public health\, with KK serving as a model for other communities.
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/incorporating-kolfe-keranio-sub-city-kksc-aafda-branch-community-in-the-tobacco-control-project/
CATEGORIES:Addiction Recovery,Addis Ababa Tobacco Smoke-free Initiative (AATSFI),Advocacy,Ethiopia Tobacco smoke free imitative,Inspection,Tobacco
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260331
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260401
DTSTAMP:20260410T191210
CREATED:20260408T152458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260408T152458Z
UID:5183-1774915200-1775001599@meqoamia.org
SUMMARY:UBAACM Movement Launched at Hawassa University: "Healthy Mind = Education Quality = Sustainable Success''
DESCRIPTION:On March 31\, 2026\, we held an extraordinary and historic consultative and training forum at Hawassa University. The ‘University-Based Anti-Addiction Community Movement’ (UBAACM – 2018/2026) has officially been launched\, with a significant number of students and members of the university community in attendance. \n“Meqoamia – The Science of Addiction” Training\nThe lead trainer for the event was Mr. Elias Kalayu\, Executive Director of MCDO  \, Recovery coach\, DDR Advocate and Author. Elias provided in-depth training based on his widely acclaimed book\, “Meqoamia – The Science of Addiction” (4th Edition). \nThe training focused on key pillars: \n\nHealthy Mind: The scientific nature of addiction and its impact on the brain.\nEducation Quality: The vital role of drug-free students in maintaining high educational standards.\nSustainable Success: How to navigate a successful life journey by preventing addiction.\n\nObjectives of the Movement\nInitiated and coordinated by MCDO\, the 2018/2026 UBAACM movement aims to prevent drug abuse among university students\, raise awareness\, and build capacity through skill-based interventions. \nThe level of student participation and their readiness for change during the event was highly encouraging for the movement’s future. The motto “Healthy Mind = Education Quality = Sustainable Success” was embraced by all participants as a shared vision. \nFinally\, on behalf of MCDO\, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Hawassa University administration and all participating students for making this program a success. \nMCDO -Meqoamia Community Development Organization March 31\, 2026
URL:https://meqoamia.org/event/ubaacm-movement-launched-at-hawassa-university-healthy-mind-education-quality-sustainable-success/
LOCATION:Hawassa University
CATEGORIES:Addiction,Addiction Recovery,Drug Demand Reduction,University Based Anti Addiction Community Movement
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