In the latest instalment of the Unnecessary Harm Podcast, Season 2 Episode 5, host Shane Varcoe takes listeners on an inspiring journey to Kerala, India, exploring the groundbreaking work of the 4th Wave Foundation. This eye-opening episode shines a spotlight on the foundation’s innovative approach to substance abuse prevention and community development, centred around their flagship program, the Venda Cup. As Varcoe engages with key members of the 4th Wave team, listeners gain valuable insights into how a youth soccer tournament has become a powerful tool for social change and drug demand reduction in southern India.

The episode features an insightful conversation with four key members of the 4th Wave Foundation team:

1. Shalini: Communications expert and core team member
2. Divya: Catalyst with expertise in child-focused prevention programs
3. Paul Gomez: Catalyst specialising in evidence-based treatment for children affected by substance use
4. Edna Joseph: Youth ambassador pursuing a degree in international relations

The Venda Cup: More Than Just a Soccer Tournament

At the heart of the discussion is the Venda Cup, a youth soccer league that has grown from humble beginnings in 2017 with just four teams to an impressive 200+ teams participating in 2023. However, as the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that the Venda Cup is far more than a sporting event – it’s a comprehensive intervention strategy aimed at addressing substance abuse and fostering community development.

Key aspects of the Venda Cup highlighted in the podcast include:

1. Inclusivity: The tournament mandates that schools fielding boys’ teams must also bring girls’ teams, promoting gender equality in sports.
2. Fair Play Award: This coveted prize encourages positive behaviour and sportsmanship, often valued more highly than winning the tournament itself.
3. Access to Resources: For many participants, the Venda Cup provides their first pair of soccer boots, a significant motivator for continued engagement in the sport.
4. Community Transformation: The tournament has sparked changes in local infrastructure, with schools and communities creating new spaces for children to play safely.

Substance Abuse Prevention Through Alternative Pursuits

The 4th Wave Foundation’s approach to substance abuse prevention is multifaceted, with the Venda Cup serving as a cornerstone. The podcast reveals that approximately 11% of tournament participants had previously used cannabis or other synthetic substances, while nearly 60% had engaged with alcohol and 29% with tobacco.

The foundation’s strategy focuses on providing healthy alternatives to substance use, acknowledging young people’s desire for excitement and risk-taking while channelling these impulses into positive activities. As Divya explains, “There are really good healthy highs which a child has access to.”

Community Impact and Cultural Shift

Throughout the episode, the guests share numerous examples of how the Venda Cup and related initiatives have sparked significant changes in Kerala:

1. Changing perceptions of girls in sports
2. Providing opportunities for academically struggling students to excel
3. Creating new role models within communities
4. Fostering a culture of inclusivity and fair play

The discussion also touches on the challenges faced, including the normalisation of substance use in media and pop culture. The 4th Wave Foundation’s work aims to counter these influences by instilling strong values and resilience in young people.

Looking Ahead: The Asian Youth Forum on Drug Prevention

The episode concludes with a preview of the upcoming 11th Asian Youth Forum on Drug Prevention, hosted by the 4th Wave Foundation. This event will bring together 150 young people from across Asia to learn about evidence-based prevention strategies and share experiences.

Reflecting on the Foundation’s overall approach, the team unanimously emphasises the importance of “building fences” – focusing on prevention rather than intervention after problems have occurred.

This episode of the Unnecessary Harm Podcast offers a compelling look at how innovative, community-based approaches to substance abuse prevention can yield wide-reaching positive outcomes. The 4th Wave Foundation’s work through the Venda Cup demonstrates the power of sports and community engagement in building resilience, fostering development, and ultimately reducing the demand for harmful substances among youth.