I CAN Project
I CAN Early Intervention Programme
Empowering Youth. Strengthening Families. Building Drug-Free Communities.
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The I CAN Early Intervention Programme is SANCA National's flagship school-based prevention initiative, designed to identify and support young adults and youth who have begun experimenting with alcohol, tobacco, vaping, or other substances.
Grounded in evidence-based prevention practices, the programme provides timely intervention before substance use escalates into dependency or addiction. By addressing risk factors early and strengthening protective factors, I CAN empowers young adults to make informed decisions, develop healthy coping strategies, and build resilience for lifelong wellbeing.
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Recognising that effective prevention extends beyond the individual, the programme adopts a comprehensive ecosystem approach by actively engaging learners, parents, caregivers, educators, social workers, schools, and local communities in creating safe, supportive environments where youth can thrive.
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A Comprehensive Prevention Model
The I CAN Programme is delivered through five integrated components that work together to achieve measurable behavioural change while strengthening the support systems surrounding each learner.
I CAN – Learner Early Intervention
Schools identify learners who may have experimented with alcohol, tobacco, vaping, or other substances and refer them to SANCA's structured early intervention programme. Participants complete **ten facilitated behaviour change sessions** that focus on developing the knowledge, attitudes and practical life skills required to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Programme content includes:
* Understanding substance use and its consequences
* Building resilience and self-esteem
* Strengthening decision-making skills
* Managing peer pressure
* Developing healthy coping mechanisms
* Goal setting and future planning
Each participant receives a professionally developed learner workbook containing structured in-session activities and @Home reinforcement exercises that encourage continued learning and meaningful family engagement between sessions.
Programme effectiveness is measured through comprehensive pre- and post-intervention assessments, allowing SANCA to evaluate behavioural outcomes and continuously improve programme delivery.
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Together We Can – Individual Therapeutic Support
Behavioural change is strengthened through personalised intervention. Each learner participates in **two individual sessions with a qualified SANCA social worker**, providing an opportunity for personal reflection, individual goal setting, emotional support, and tailored guidance. These sessions enable practitioners to address each learner's unique circumstances while reinforcing the knowledge and skills acquired during the group intervention. Learners who successfully complete both the group-based and individual intervention components receive a SANCA certificate acknowledging their commitment to making healthy, substance-free life choices.
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We Can – Parent and Caregiver Empowerment
Parents and caregivers remain one of the strongest protective influences in a young person's life. The **We Can** programme equips families with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to support healthy adolescent development and reduce the risks associated with substance use. Delivered through two structured workshops, the programme focuses on:
* Understanding substance use and substance use disorders
* Recognising behavioural warning signs
* Developing effective communication with young adults
* Building positive family relationships
* Supporting youth who may be experimenting with substances
* Accessing appropriate professional support when intervention is required
By strengthening families, SANCA reinforces one of the most important protective factors against substance misuse.
We Educate – Building Prevention Capacity Within Schools
Educators are uniquely positioned to recognise behavioural changes and intervene at an early stage. The **We Educate** component equips teachers with evidence-based knowledge on substance use prevention while providing practical strategies that can be integrated into everyday classroom practice. Training includes:
* Current evidence relating to substance use and misuse
* Identifying early warning signs among learners
* Implementing classroom-based prevention strategies
* Appropriate referral pathways for learners requiring specialised support
* Creating supportive and protective school environments
This component enhances the capacity of schools to respond proactively and effectively to substance-related concerns.
We Care – Community Prevention and Awareness
Sustainable prevention requires collective community action. The **We Care Mass Prevention Day** brings together learners, educators, parents, community organisations, government stakeholders and local service providers in a shared commitment to promoting healthy, drug-free communities. The event serves as a platform for awareness, education and collaboration through:
* SANCA's interactive **"You Can Do It!"** prevention presentation
* Community stakeholder presentations and service exhibitions
* Learner testimonials highlighting personal growth through the I CAN Programme
* Parent reflections on their participation in the We Can workshops
* Community engagement and networking opportunities
* A collective Drug-Free School Pledge, affirming a shared commitment to creating safer learning environments
The event reinforces the principle that effective prevention is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration between families, schools and communities.
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Measuring Meaningful Impact
The I CAN Early Intervention Programme is designed to deliver measurable outcomes through structured monitoring and evaluation. Key programme outcomes include:
* Increased resilience among participating learners
* Improved decision-making and life skills
* Reduced substance-related risk behaviours
* Stronger family communication and support
* Enhanced educator capacity to identify and respond to early warning signs
* Earlier access to appropriate intervention services
* Healthier, safer and more resilient school communities
Through evidence-based assessment methodologies, SANCA continuously measures programme effectiveness to ensure accountability, quality improvement and sustainable impact.
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Partner With SANCA National
Every young person deserves the opportunity to realise their full potential free from the harmful effects of substance use.
By partnering with SANCA National, your organisation can play a meaningful role in expanding access to the I CAN Early Intervention Programme, enabling more schools, more learners and more communities across South Africa to benefit from early intervention and prevention services. We welcome partnerships with:
* Government departments
* Corporate organisations
* Schools
* Foundations and trusts
* Community-based organisations
* Individual donors
Together, we can strengthen prevention, protect vulnerable youth, and build healthier communities for generations to come.
Make a Difference
Whether you choose to sponsor a school, fund programme delivery, invest in prevention initiatives or collaborate as a strategic partner, your support directly contributes to changing lives.
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Together, we can empower young adults to make informed choices, strengthen families,
and create communities where every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
Lesedi Park Trust Project
SANCA National, in partnership with the Lesedi Solar Park Trust, the Rural Development Support Programme (RDSP), and the South African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA), continues to strengthen communities across the Northern Cape through impactful substance abuse prevention and community empowerment initiatives.
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As part of a long-term regional harm reduction strategy, more than 60 community workers and professionals from Postmasburg, Danielskuil, Lime Acres, Skeyfontein, and Groenwater successfully completed accredited training programmes focused on substance use prevention, early intervention, and community support services.
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The initiative formed part of the global commemoration of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, under the theme: “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention. Break the cycle. #StopOrganizedCrime.” Graduates were recognised during a special Awards and Graduation Ceremony hosted at LA Diamond Lodge and Safari in Lime Acres.
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This programme reflects SANCA National’s commitment to building safer, healthier communities by equipping local leaders and residents with practical skills, knowledge, and support systems to address the challenges of substance abuse within their own environments. By investing in community-based prevention, skills development, mental wellness, and ongoing support structures, the initiative empowers communities to lead sustainable change from within.
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Many of the graduates are already serving as trusted support figures within their communities, helping individuals and families affected by substance use while promoting awareness, resilience, and hope. The programme also creates opportunities for local leadership development and strengthens the social fabric needed to build long-term community wellbeing.
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The event included certificate presentations, recognition awards, personal testimonies from graduates and families, progress updates on the regional harm reduction strategy, and keynote addresses from local government representatives, community leaders, and partner organisations.
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Through collaborative partnerships and evidence-based prevention strategies, SANCA National continues to champion a future where communities are empowered, families are supported, and individuals are given the opportunity to thrive free from the harms of substance abuse.
NDSD Mentorship Project
National DSD & SANCA Mentorship Initiative
Strengthening Organisations. Supporting Recovery. Building Resilient Communities.
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The National DSD & SANCA Mentorship Initiative is a national capacity-building programme implemented by SANCA National in partnership with the National Department of Social Development (DSD). The initiative supports 18 emerging organisations across all nine provinces, strengthening their ability to deliver sustainable, high-quality aftercare and reintegration services for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. Strong organisations are the foundation of effective recovery services. Through professional mentorship, SANCA works alongside participating organisations to strengthen governance, improve legislative compliance, enhance service delivery, and build long-term organisational sustainability. The programme combines practical mentorship, site visits, online monitoring, and specialised training in key areas such as governance, strategic planning, financial management, human resources, evidence-based aftercare programmes, and staff wellness. Each organisation receives tailored guidance to address its unique needs while developing the skills and systems required to deliver impactful services within their communities. By strengthening the capacity of community-based organisations, the initiative improves access to quality aftercare and reintegration services, supports long-term recovery, and helps create healthier, safer communities across South Africa.
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Creating Lasting Impact
The National DSD & SANCA Mentorship Initiative is investing in the organisations that support recovery every day. By building stronger, more resilient service providers, SANCA National is helping to ensure that individuals affected by substance use disorders receive the ongoing care, support, and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their families and communities.
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Bornservant Mentorship
Bornservant Community-Based Centre in Sharpeville, Gauteng, recently participated in the SANCA National Mentorship Programme funded by the National Department of Social Development. The programme forms part of SANCA National’s commitment to strengthening community-based organisations through mentorship, governance support, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving substance abuse prevention and support services across South Africa. As part of the programme, SANCA National mentor Mrs Adrie Vermeulen facilitated an interactive “All-Hands-on-Deck” Governance Training Workshop with the centre manager and eight board members on 5 July 2025. Using the metaphor of a ship navigating challenging waters, the workshop explored the distinct leadership roles of management and board members while promoting accountability, teamwork, and effective governance practices. The engaging and practical training approach resulted in a measurable increase in participant knowledge and understanding, with assessment scores improving from 69% to 84%. Through initiatives such as these, SANCA National continues to empower local organisations with the skills, leadership, and support needed to create stronger communities and more sustainable substance abuse intervention services.
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