OnTap Magazine

BASA UPDATE AWARE PROGRAMMES SEEK TO ESTABLISH RESPONSIBLE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN SA Established in 1989 and registered as a non-profit organization, Aware (aware.org.za ) aims to develop a culture of responsible alcohol usage by providing South Africans with detailed information about the damage that is caused by the abuse of alcohol, and its impact on our communities. Aware was founded by the alcohol industry, in response to concerns relating to this misuse of alcohol. Aware highlights the importance of promoting Responsible Alcohol Usage for the purposes of developing harmonious, safe and sustainable social settings within South African communities. Aware hopes to make a big impact in terms of promoting the responsible consumption of alcohol, by working in partnership with other associations to amplify its message, including the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR), the Young Free and Educated (YFE) initiative, The International Alliance for Responsible drinking (IARD) and The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). Aware focuses on six key themes to promote a culture of responsible alcohol consumption in South Africa, while educating citizens on the harms caused by the abuse of alcohol in our communities. These are shared in further detail below. Fighting Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Aware is mandated to address the concerning rise of FASD in the country. It is for this reason that Aware funded FAAR to conduct research on the health and psycho-social effects of FASD in adolescence and adulthood. The study is currently being conducted in De Aar, in the Northern Cape, with young adults affected by FASD during the Prevalence Study in 2001-2003. The 68 children diagnosed in this study are now between 20-27 years old, and will be able to provide FAAR with new information on the effects of FASD during an individual’s life span. This study will provide us with information that is currently not available in any part of the world. Drinking and Driving or Walking Aware works with several key stakeholders to support responsible alcohol consumption when driving and walking. These stakeholders each play an important role in achieving 8 | Winter 2021 | ontapmag.co.za