Hundreds of students at Karama Academy pledged to live free of tobacco use during a school summit held on World Lung Day, committing to a healthier future through drama, spoken word, and peer-led education.
The summit, themed “My Future is Tobacco-Free,” gathered learners, teachers, and health advocates to confront tobacco use and its risks.
The principal said schools were central to shaping decisions that go beyond academics.
“Schools are more than places of learning. They are safe spaces where children can make life-changing decisions about their health,” the principal said.
Guest speakers included Natalia, founder of Art Kids Kibra, and John, Programs Manager at Art Kids Foundation. They urged students to embrace prevention as the first step.
“Prevention starts with awareness. By reaching students early, we give them the tools to say no to tobacco before it ever becomes a habit,” Natalia said.
Students led the program through a drama performance on the dangers of addiction and a session on refusal skills guided by a peer educator.
“The choice is ours. We can say no to tobacco and yes to life,” one student actor said.
Natalia said creative methods strengthened the impact of the message.
“Creative activities like drama, spoken word, and quizzes make learning fun, and they make the message unforgettable,” she said.
The summit also featured a fitness challenge, quiz competitions, and an award ceremony. A spoken word performance reinforced the theme of healthy living.
John said education must prepare learners beyond books.
“Education is not only about books. It is also about preparing students to make wise choices for their future,” he said.
The day ended with a pledge ceremony where students raised their hands in unison, vowing to remain tobacco-free.
“Young people are powerful agents of change. When they pledge to stay tobacco-free, their influence goes far beyond the school gate,” Natalia said.
Teachers also welcomed the commitment.
“Our students are tomorrow’s leaders. By choosing to stay tobacco-free, they are already shaping a brighter future for themselves and the community,” one teacher said.
Health experts say tobacco use is among the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year. Targeting young people early through school-based programs is seen as critical in preventing addiction and reducing chronic lung disease.
