Launch of the “Aware Youth” campaign for the ninth year consecutively at the Egyptian Russian University
Dr. Sherif Fakhry Mohamed Abdel Nabi, President of the Egyptian Russian University, announced the launch of the “Aware Youth” campaign for the ninth consecutive year, in cooperation with the Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction (under the Cabinet of Ministers). He noted that the campaign’s continuity reflects the university’s strategy to support awareness-raising activities and community service within its geographical surroundings. He explained that the initiative aims to empower students and highlight their positive role in educating society about the dangers of smoking and drugs, thereby contributing to the implementation of the national plan to combat substance abuse.
Preparing students for the future
The President of the Egyptian Russian University indicated that this campaign is supported by Dr. Mohamed Kamal Mostafa, Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, and is being held in the presence of a distinguished group of leaders and experts. Among those present were Dr. Ibrahim Askar, Director General of Preventive Programs at the Fund for Drug Control and Treatment; Tarek Bilal, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Educational Administration of El-Shorouk, Badr, and the New Capital; Dr. Mohamed Mustafa, a forensic expert at the Ministry of Justice; and Amira Ragab, an assistant supervisor within the administration. It was noted that the campaign seeks to empower young people and prepare them to meet future demands and life’s challenges, as they are the primary driving force behind national development and leadership. Furthermore, the process of shaping awareness requires consistency and persistence; thus, the cultivation of awareness is a matter of critical importance.
Psychological Approach
Dr. Hanaa Abdel Rahman, Advisor to the University President for Student Activities at the Egyptian Russian University, emphasized that organizing such events aims to raise awareness among young people and protect them by providing sound mechanisms for coping with external pressures. This helps prevent them from veering onto the wrong path and shields them from the dangers of falling into the trap of addiction and drug abuse. She added that such student activities extend beyond theoretical education, effectively equipping students with life skills and practical experience that enrich their personalities, foster a sense of social belonging, strengthen the bonds between students, their university, and their broader community, and cultivate a spirit of responsibility and positive engagement.


Factories in New Cities
The Advisor to the University President for Student Activities at the Egyptian-Russian University stated that the campaign includes interactive seminars on campus, as well as visits by university students to schools in the cities of Badr, El Shorouk, and Hadayek El Asima. It also involves visits to factories in Badr City, all as part of the university’s commitment to its social role and corporate social responsibility. These campaigns and seminars aim to raise awareness among youth and students regarding the “dangers of addiction and drug abuse.” She noted that university youth and school students are the primary drivers of community awareness, and that this year’s “Aware Youth” (Shabab Wa’i) campaign incorporates a variety of artistic and athletic activities—essential elements for building a balanced, proactive personality capable of shouldering responsibilities and overcoming challenges.
Protecting the Youth
For his part, Dr. Ibrahim Askar, General Manager of Preventive Programs at the Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction, highlighted the campaign’s impact on raising awareness, explaining that it seeks to prepare students and youth for the future by enlightening them about current challenges. He emphasized that addressing addiction is a matter of national security, essential for protecting the minds of young people from falling into this trap.
Commending the University’s Role
The General Manager of Preventive Programs at the Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction praised the pioneering role played by the Egyptian-Russian University in serving the community and raising awareness about the dangers of addiction. He noted that the university’s initiative, over the past few years, has had a tangible, positive impact on building student awareness—both on campus and through field campaigns and outreach initiatives targeting schools and surrounding areas.
Combating Drug Use
For his part, Dr. Mohamed Mustafa, a forensic expert at the Ministry of Justice and supervisor of drug-testing campaigns, emphasized that the most effective way to combat drug use is not merely through security measures—such as preventing drug dealers from distributing their products—but rather by curbing the demand for these substances. This is best achieved by raising awareness among young people regarding the risks, harms, and negative consequences that drugs have on their own lives, their families, and society as a whole. This underscores the importance of such awareness-raising campaigns, seminars, and educational programs.
Free Treatment Facilities and hospitals
The forensic expert and supervisor of drug-testing campaigns further noted that the Fund provides free treatment services with complete confidentiality. This is accessible via a dedicated hotline (16023), as well as through 22 hospitals nationwide that offer rehabilitation, medical treatment, and support services.

The Dangers of Synthetic Drugs
Ms. Amira Ragab, assistant supervisor of the Preventive Programs Department at the Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction, stated that the proliferation of synthetic (“chemical”) drugs is a primary factor behind many of the unusual incidents recently witnessed in Egypt. She warned of the devastating risks these substances pose to the social fabric. In a message of hope to the youth, Amira Ragab described university and school students as the “active force” and the backbone for building Egypt’s future, urging them to leave a genuine mark that contributes to the advancement of the nation.