The “Just Say No” (JSN) event took place on Santiago Island, the capital of Cape Verde. Gamboa beach has always been the stage for major local events, but never with an audience like this. More than 50 thousand youths were present on Saturday (15). Many well-known Cape Verdean actors and singers showed their support for the event.

JSN works with the Youth Group to bring awareness, aiming to show them that we shouldn’t say yes to everything. In today’s society, many youths are being influenced by drugs, crime and rebelliousness. They are disobeying their parents, dropping out of school, quitting their jobs, among many other problems. For this reason, the Youth Group tries to show how this can be detrimental to the future of these young people.

Before going on stage, one of the singers decided to break his “pipe” in front of the youths and said: “With such awareness, I can’t go on using drugs. I’ve been using drugs for 10 years… But I’ve decided to quit today, in front of all of you!”

With the lack of safety and an increase in violence, addictions and crime in Cape Verde, many families are being destroyed. This is why the Universal Church aims to meet these needs and help the country’s youth.

Members of the Youth Group have shown they overcame their problems and learned to say no. Today, they are good sons and daughters, good employees, good friends. They are an example in society and have bright perspectives for the future.

Gilson was present to give his testimony. He used to be a gang leader, drug addict and committed robberies on the streets of the capital. His story was similar to what many of the youths were living at the time. The message addressed to everyone was: “We believe in the youth, even if you are in a situation of risk and have been excluded by society. Even if your family, neighbors and friends stopped believing in you, the Youth Group believes, but you must also believe in yourself.”

JSN continues in Cape Verde: August 22 on the island of São Vicente; August 29 on Fogo Island, Boa Vista Isalnd and St. Antão Island. Ending on the 30^th, on Sal Island.

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