The synthetic drug 'kush', reportedly made from a combination of tramadol, cannabis, and synthetic cannabinoids, is devastating the lives of young people in Sierra Leone, particularly in Freetown and surrounding communities. This potent and addictive substance's impact has prompted urgent rehabilitation efforts, including the establishment of the REAR Project. Murray Massaquoi serves as the Project Manager for the REAR Project, a key initiative dedicated to addressing the widespread drug crisis and its profound effects on individuals and society. The project focuses intently on supporting affected youth and communities in the region, aiming to provide a pathway to recovery and reintegration.
REAR Project Services and Scope
The REAR Project's rehabilitation centre offers a full range of services designed to support the holistic recovery of its beneficiaries. These vital services include psychological care, offering mental health support to address trauma and addiction-related issues; counseling, providing guidance and emotional support; rehabilitation services, focusing on structured recovery programs; and vocational skills training for affected youth, equipping them with practical abilities for future employment. These diverse programs are meticulously designed to support individuals not only in their recovery from addiction but also in their successful reintegration into society as productive members. In a specific and impactful initiative, sixteen young girls were enrolled in the residential rehabilitation program located at Makomba Village between January and May 2026. This particular program focuses on providing a structured, supportive environment for recovery and skill development, ensuring participants receive intensive care and a chance to rebuild their lives away from the immediate pressures of their previous environments.
A Beneficiary's Path to Recovery
Caritas Freetown established the Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Youth Affected by Drugs (REAR) Project to specifically address the growing challenge of Kush addiction among young people in Freetown and its environs. The project supports beneficiaries through various structured programs aimed at fostering recovery and facilitating successful reintegration into their communities. Out of the sixteen beneficiaries who participated in the residential program, twelve are currently on track for successful reintegration into society, according to encouraging project reports, noting the program's effectiveness.
Esther Mustapha, a poignant example of a beneficiary of the REAR Project, shared her personal journey of addiction and subsequent recovery with profound honesty. She recounted her harrowing experiences with survival sex work and the immense hardships she faced on the streets prior to entering the life-changing program. Her story shows the severe challenges many young people affected by 'kush' addiction encounter. Mustapha is currently undergoing tailoring training at the center, a valuable skill she is diligently developing as an integral part of her full rehabilitation process. This training is intended to provide her with economic independence and a stable future. "The project has given me the courage to reintegrate into society and pursue a productive future," Mustapha stated, expressing profound gratitude for the opportunity. She added, with clear emotion, "It has helped me become a person in society again, with hope and purpose."
Community Impact and Future Outlook
Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles, accompanied by Board members and Management staff, undertook a significant visit to the REAR rehabilitation centre at Makomba Village, off Newton, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The visit served to highlight the critical ongoing efforts to combat the devastating impact of Kush on young people in the region and demonstrated high-level support for the project's mission. The REAR Project, expertly managed by Caritas Freetown, continues to provide critical services aimed at full rehabilitation and successful reintegration. Its programs, which encompass essential psychological care, supportive counseling, and practical vocational training, are meticulously designed to equip beneficiaries with the necessary skills and resilience needed for a productive and fulfilling future. The project's approach emphasizes strong community support and aims to foster long-term recovery and meaningful societal re-engagement for affected youth. This initiative represents a significant and sustained commitment to addressing the complex challenges posed by drug addiction within Freetown and its surrounding areas, offering a beacon of hope for many young lives.
