Did you know that ELEM is a special adviser to the UN? ELEM is the first organization working in the field of at-risk youth that was granted this status by ECOSOC.
Earlier this month, with representatives from Sudan and Turkey, we participated in a panel discussion about sport as a tool in drug and alcohol rehabilitation, prevention and intervention.
Nava Barak, President of ELEM Israel, remarked: “Sports-based programs are a significant tool for preventing the use of psychoactive substances, dealing with drug use, and for supporting rehab programs. These programs provide positive social interactions, which support a healthy lifestyle. They encourage people to take responsibility for their health physically and mentally and improve life skills.”
Keren Shemesh Levy, a coordinator at ELEM shared:”there are many teenagers and young adults whom the ELEM helps, who live on the street. We find a direct connection between childhood sexual abuse trauma and life on the streets, engaging in prostitution and addictions. For these young people, psychoactive substances are an escape from the difficulty they experience, as well as a steep slope to addiction.”
Working with incredible organizations from other countries who share our goals is an incredible privilege. We are so fortunate to work with the UN, contribute from our experience and also learn so much from others.
This is not the first time we have taken part in UN discussion panels. In the past ELEM participated in events of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs. You can watch the panels here and here.
