The 2025 Festival Afrodisiac in Brussels brought together thousands to celebrate African culture and solidarity while spotlighting drug prevention through the Truth About Drugs mobile exhibit. With the support of the Church of Scientology and the International Association of Scientologists, coordinator Julie Delvaux and her team distributed over 1,200 educational booklets and inspired hundreds to pledge drug-free living. The initiative underscores Europe’s ongoing fight against rising drug use and highlights how grassroots actions, backed by humanitarian vision, can protect youth and communities alike.
Brussels, July 16, 2025 — Against the backdrop of the Bois de la Cambre, the weekend of July 12–13 saw the vibrant Festival Afrodisiac come alive: a family-friendly cultural event in Belgium’s capital — heart of the EU institutions — celebrating African music, dance, gastronomy and solidarity. As children laughed in the village zone and families shared Afro-market delights, one stand rose above festive cheer to amplify a critical public-health message: the dangers of drug use.
A Cultural Celebration with Purpose
Founded in 2006 and now the largest cultural festival of the African diaspora in Brussels, Afrodisiac champions solidarity and awareness, dedicating its 2025 edition to “Les enfants du Congo, l’avenir d’un continent” — highlighting African children’s rights via art, workshops, performances and food stalls.
This celebration takes on fresh resonance in Brussels, where the EU Commission, Parliament and Council symbolically reinforce messages of unity and well-being.
Truth About Drugs: Facts Meet Festival
The Truth About Drugs mobile exhibit — a new, state-of-the-art educational display made possible through the support of members of the International Association of Scientologists — was brought to life on site by Julie Delvaux, coordinator for Drug-Free World Belgium (Ditesnonaladrogue) and board member of the Foundation for a Drug-Free Europe.
From early morning setup to the final sunset, Julie and her dedicated team made a strong impression: over just two days, they engaged with hundreds of visitors through the immersive exhibit, inspired individuals to sign the drug-free pledge, and placed 1,286 educational booklets directly into the hands of families and community.
Julie Delvaux reflected:
“When teenagers tried the simulation glasses after our mini-conference, they literally said, ‘We won’t touch that stuff.’ Moments like that make it worth it.”
Julie Delvaux, PRESIDENT DITES NON A LA DROGUE BELGIQUE
From youth organization coordinators to educators, a firefighter, and medical professionals, many are seeking partnership opportunities to address the growing impact of drug-related issues in their respective fields. Staff at addiction clinics are also stepping up, distributing educational materials in waiting rooms as they see an increase in patients affected by substance abuse. Additionally, a former drug user has signed up to participate in the campaign by sharing her testimony, aiming to inspire others through her story.
A Campaign Rooted in Humanitarian Vision
The Truth About Drugs initiative is part of the Foundation for a Drug‑Free World, rooted in L. Ron Hubbard’s humanitarian philosophy: “The single most destructive element present in our current culture is drugs.” His conviction that awareness can avert suffering informs Truth About Drugs’ global network — from schools to festivals like Afrodisiac.
The European Context: Stark but Surmountable
These efforts matter deeply. Across the EU, as per the European Union Drugs Agency, illicit drug use remains widespread: around 29% of 15–64‑year‑olds have used illegal drugs in their lifetime, and 8% used cannabis in the past year — around 22 million Europeans. Cocaine, the continent’s second-most used substance, reached approximately 3.5 million adult users last year, with usage concentrated among those aged 15–34.
Recent wastewater data from Brussels and Antwerp show cocaine presence doubled in 2024 compared to 2023 — reaching almost 1.2 g per 1,000 inhabitants per day — underscoring rising stimulant trends on Belgian streets. Moreover, EU-wide monitoring highlights a disturbing increase in polysubstance abuse, often mixing cannabis, MDMA, synthetic opioids and tranquillizers.
Ivan Arjona‑Pelado, President of the European Office of the Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights, who oversees the different social campaigns Scientologist carry out throughout Europe commended the initiative:
“It’s inspiring to see young people and families choosing knowledge and responsibility over ignorance and danger. This campaign reflects a very practical way to safeguard our children’s future. We will continue to stand behind every initiative that brings truth and prevention directly to communities.”
In Brussels’ seat of European governance, where policies for the entire continent are shaped, grassroots action is proving equally resonant. The Truth About Drugs team’s exhibit at Afrodisiac bridged cultural celebration and public health, translating global drug trends into personal stories and empowering choices. As Brussels nurtures Europe’s future, so too do local campaigns champion its well-being — one informed decision at a time.
Backed and supported by the Church of Scientology and its ecclesiastical leader Mr David Miscavige, the Truth About Drugs campaign has become one of the world’s largest non-governmental drug education and prevention initiatives, active in over 180 countries and distributed in tens of thousands of schools, community groups, police departments and youth organizations. Its clear, fact-based materials have earned recognition from educators, law enforcement and government bodies worldwide, furthering L. Ron Hubbard’s vision of empowering people with knowledge as the best defense against drug abuse.
Media Contact
Organization: European Office Church of Scientology for Public Affairs and Human Rights
Contact Person: Ivan Arjona
Website: https://www.scientologyeurope.org
Email: Send Email
Address:Boulevard de Waterloo 103
City: Brussels
State: Brussels
Country:Belgium
Release id:30958
