From Addiction to Advocacy: Musa Shares His Story through U-Report Dialogues

Musa Foday’s life is a beacon of hope in a country battling a growing drug use. In Largo village, Kenema,  Sierra Leone,   21 old Musa’s story reflects the struggles of many young people trapped in addiction, and the resilience needed to overcome it.

Once a brilliant and ambitious student, Musa’s life unraveled under the influence of peers and the allure of Kush, a synthetic drug wreaking havoc across Sierra Leone. What began as excessive drinking and experimenting with Tramadol escalated into a dependence on Kush, pushing him into a cycle of self-destruction.

“I couldn’t recognize myself anymore,” Musa recalls. “I had dreams, but those dreams faded as my addiction took over.”

Musa’s addiction cost him his education, his family’s trust, and his sense of self-worth. He turned to odd jobs, known locally as *Jagaja*—labor-intensive work like clearing land or farming—but even this became impossible as his health and productivity deteriorated. Smoking Kush left him too weak for physical labor, leading to frequent disputes and complaints from those who hired him.

According to a recent U-Report Poll on Drug Abuse, 65% of U-Reporters know someone who uses drugs. Drug abuse is a  leading factor contributing to social discontent and minor crimes, as highlighted in intergenerational dialogues.

“I was sued so many times because I couldn’t complete jobs properly,” Musa remembers. “People saw me as unreliable, someone who only caused problems. That was my lowest point.” 

In May 2024, Musa encountered Dauda Conteh, a U-Report Youth Ambassador, during a community outreach visit to Largo. Their conversation marked a turning point in Musa’s life.

“At first, I wasn’t sure if I could trust him,” Musa admits. “But Dauda didn’t judge me. He talked to me like I mattered, like I could still be someone. That gave me hope.”

Dauda introduced Musa to U-Report, a free platform that empowers young people to voice their concerns and engage in community development. Though initially hesitant, Musa joined the platform, reconnected with his community and took steps toward self-improvement. 

Musa’s recovery was not immediate or easy. Determined to change, he started by gradually reducing his drug use.

“I began smoking Kush three times a day, then once a day, and eventually not at all,” he explains. “It wasn’t easy, but I prayed, stayed focused, and kept pushing.”

He also quit drinking, taking Tramadol, and smoking cigarettes. To avoid temptation, Musa distanced himself from parties and social events.

“It’s not like I don’t want to enjoy life,” Musa says. “But I have bigger goals now. Going to parties or drinking will only pull me back. I’ve worked too hard to let that happen.” 

Musa redirected his energy and resources toward building a stable future. He started farming and selling rice, eventually saving enough money to launch a small fuel business. Today, Musa fuel and airtime shop and provides Orange Money services, a stark contrast to the days when he relied on petty theft to survive.

Musa’s transformation has shifted how his community views him. Once ostracized, he is now seen as a responsible businessman and a role model.

“People used to avoid me,” he says. “They thought I was dangerous, someone who couldn’t be trusted. But now, they see me differently. They know I’ve changed.”

Rebuilding his relationships with his family has been equally transformative. Musa’s mother and siblings, who once distanced themselves out of fear and disappointment, now embrace him with pride and support.

“My mom is so happy to have me back,” Musa shares. “We live together again, and I help her however I can.”

UNICEF, in collaboration with UNDP, with support from the Peace Building Fund, has engaged with more than 16,000 adolescents and young people in community dialogues in five districts to encourage them to raise their voices and contribute to creating a peaceful community.

Musa’s experiences have fueled his passion for youth advocacy. U-Report and the Peace Building Fund initiatives created an environment where he shares his story at community dialogues, inspiring others to believe in the possibility of change.

“I tell them it’s not easy, but it’s worth it. If I can change, they can too,” he says.

Musa’s story underscores the power of determination, mentorship, and community support in overcoming addiction. His journey serves as a testament to the strength it takes to choose a better path, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

“Addiction is a trap, but it’s not the end,” Musa reflects. “You can break free if you believe in yourself and stay focused. He is grateful to u-Report for talking about issues that affect his community like drugs, peace and employment. .”

Now, Musa dreams of returning to school to complete his education and contribute further to his community. In the meantime, he continues to inspire others, proving that even the darkest chapters can lead to brighter futures.

“When you want to change,” Musa concludes, “you have to make sacrifices. You have to choose your future over your past. That’s what I did, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”