SBL rolls out an anti-drinking campaign for the underage

As a joint effort to curb drinking at a tender age, Serengeti Breweries Limited (SBL), a youth-led NGO Bridge for Change, Ubungo District Commissioner Henry James and Ubungo Mayor Jaffrey Nyaigesha launched SBL's anti-drinking campaign dubbed “SMASHED” in Dar es Salaam region.

Tanzania is among the African countries with early-age initiation to alcohol consumption. A study conducted in 2019 in Mwanza and Kilimanjaro regions found the prevalence of alcohol consumption among secondary school students aged 15 and above ranging from 12.9% among girls in Mwanza to 63.9% among boys in Kilimanjaro. The prevalence of alcohol use among students aged 13-15 in Dar es Salaam was 5.6%.

“The program involves the delivery of key learnings on the negative effects of underage drinking on both the youth and community. The program combines the use of drama presentations and students' engagement in a motivational learning environment to equip them with facts, skills, and confidence to make responsible choices and develop responsible attitudes in health-related matters,” said Rispa Hatibu, SBL's Communications Manager.

Dar es Salaam and Tanga regions are the first locations to implement the Smashed program, which uses interactive theatre experience to educate school children on the side effects of alcohol consumption. More than 15,000 students are planned to be reached in the two regions by the end of 2022.

SBL is delighted to support the adoption of the SMASHED underage drinking program as it strengthens activities to ensure that our products are not sold to or consumed by persons under the age of eighteen years.