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the dianova network

Dianova is an international NGO with consultative status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC), operating in 11 countries of the Americas and Europe. Dianova develops innovative programs and projects in the fields of education, youth, addiction prevention and treatment, as well as in the area of social and community development.

Dianova Photo albums on Flickr

the network newsbriefs

March 2011 - "European Action on Drugs"

15 March - As a national coordinator of the "European Action on Drugs" (EAD) campaign, led by the European Commission, Dianova hosted a national conference on this topic at Lisbon's Jean Monnet center.

As a campaign signatory and National Supervisor in Portugal, Dianova presented the preliminary results of a Dianova-led, drug awareness initiative which is currently underway in the country: "Do not waste your own life".

View the photos on Flickr - European Action on Drugs, Lisbon 2011

February 2011 - UN-WOMEN, a New Entity Dedicated to Gender Equality

In July 2010, the United Nations General Assembly approved the creation of a new UN entity dedicated to promoting and coordinating global efforts towards gender equality and women empowerment. Dianova representative, Mrs. Elena Goti was officially invited to celebrate the entity's official launch at UN headquarters in New York city, on February, 24.

February 2011 - Dianova in Operational Relations with UNESCO

Dianova International has been approved as an "NGO in operational relations with UNESCO" - This affiliation represents a milestone for Dianova International as for each one of its member organizations, as it will provide greater visibility and credibility to Dianova projects and initiatives, particularly those related to such areas essential to our common future: education and youth.

January 2011 - Dianova Awarded at "Telefonica Ability Awards Gala

Monday, January 17 - Dianova in Spain was nominated in the category of "Prevention & Retention" with a social support program for its employees, a program which objective is to enable those suffering from chronic health problems keep their jobs with the guarantee of an optimal quality of work life.

Dec. 2010 - Michel Perron Appointed Chairperson of VNGOC

Mr. Michel Perron, Director General of the Canadian Center on Substance Abuse (CCSA), was appointed new chairperson of the Vienna NGO Committee on Drugs (VNGOC)

On the other hand, Dianova is proud to continue contributing to the work of the Vienna NGO Committeethrough its representative Ms. Elena Goti, whose tenure as Deputy Secretary was renewed. 

Dec. 2010 - Outcome Study Published in Sweden

On Dianova in Sweden's initiative, the Department of Pyschology of Lund University launched an outcome study in a cohort of 72 individuals having requested Dianova's services.

The study begun in 2005 and was made possible by the fieldwork of Ms. Johana Crabo and Maja Gradowska, as part of their final psychology dissertation, under the supervision of Dr. Mats Friedel, professor of clinical psychology and Psychotherapist, with financial support from Swedish government agency "Mobilisering mot Narkotika"and Dianova in Sweden

Dec. 2010 - Genoa WFTC Institute, Statement by the Participants

The WFTC Genoa Institute, has brought together 200 people from the 52 countries represented in the WFTC who are involved with and committed to the work of therapeutic communities as they contribute a response to the global substance misuse and related problems. 

Therapeutic communities work to teach people, coming together in a community, to learn to use the community to help themselves attain the highest possible levels of physical, mental and social health, to achieve well-being, regain their sense of meaning and of values transcending self / spirituality, and to discover a new way of living. 

Dec. 2010 - "The Invisibles", an Appeal from Amnesty International

Amnesty International recently released a series of four documentary films directed by Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal. The films are designed to attract public concern about the fate of hundreds of migrants travelling in hope of reaching the USA, through Mexico. Instead of hope they often face abduction, rape and murder while travelling in Mexico where most of those aggressions take place.

Dec. 2010 - The Foundations & Values of Dianova's Educational Project

For nearly forty years, the Dianova network has vowed to give each person in their care the means to achieve greater freedom and self-reliance, and to be able to change. To achieve such a commitment, we have developed practices which are based not only on introspection and adequate relationships between people, but also on learning. Learning means change; thus education, whether formal or informal, has always been the core of Dianova's social projects. 

December 2010 - World AIDS Day

The world is living with AIDS for over twenty-five years. And in twenty-five years, the evolution of the disease has been fundamentally different, depending on countries and regions.

In poor countries, more than 3 million people are now getting the treatment they need, however 7 more million are still waiting. This is why we call for a global solidarity of all nations concerned, because it is our common duty to end AIDS.

Novembre 2010 - Publication of the Dianova Network's "Manifesto" and "Charter of Accountability "

At Dianova International's General Assembly, held in Madrid on October 30th, the representatives of the network's member organizations have approved two important documents: "The Dianova Network Manifesto" and the "Charter of Accountability".

The "Manifesto" outlines the Dianova Network's global commitment through the definition of common policies and positioning principles which are critical for the future of the organization.

"The Charter of Accountability" emphasizes a series of principles and practices which are intended to promote the good governance of our organizations while outlining our common commitment to excellence, transparency and accountability.

November 2010 - A Charity Concert to Help Las Marias' School in Nicaragua

Dianova collected 30,000€ for Las Marias School in Nicaragua through a classical music concert dedicated to some of the finest film soundtracks.

The National Auditorium of the city of Madrid hosted the Santa Cecilia classical orchestra, under the direction of Cristóbal Soler, to help raise funds for Dianova's Las Marias school in Nicaragua.

The proceeds from the concert reached 30,000€, compared to the 36 955€ necessary to complete the project of providing water and lighting to the children of Las Marias school.

Should you wish to help us complete the project, please visit our web site to make a donation, at: www.llevareluzyagua.org (Spanish language)

November 2010 - Dianova Belgium's Resignation Formally Accepted

The Dianova network's ordinary members have unanimously accepted Dianova Belgium's resignation as an ordinary member, at the General Assembly of Dianova International held in Madrid on October, 30th, 2010.

To download official press release, please click here (pdf)

Octobre 2010 - 1st European Congress on Resiliency

The Risk Management Research Center, which depends of the University of Barcelona organized on October 20 – 22, at the Bellaterra University Campus, the first European congress on Resiliency, the theme of which was: "growing despite adversity"

Does Dianova's Therapeutic and educational model promote resiliency?

October 2010 - Dianova in Portugal Receives a Delegation from CONACE

Dianova received at its national headquarters in Torres Vedras an official delegation from state-run drug enforcement and control board (CONACE), an agency which depends from the Chilean's ministry of the Interior. The delegation was headed by Mrs. Francisca Florenzano Valdés, the agency's executive secretary and Mrs María Elena Riveros Espiñeira, supervisor of the department of international affairs and the Prevention department.

October 2010 - A Classical Music Concert to Help Nicaragua

Read article
The event's mini-site: www.llevareluzyagua.org (Spanish)

September 2010 - in Nicaragua, Dianova School Affiliates with UNESCO's Associated School Network

International Relations

las Marias Educational Center, operated by Dianova near Managua (Nicaragua) has received formal accreditation to become affiliated with UNESCO's Associated Schools.

Las Marias school is now part of the ASPnet (UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network) which comprises more than 8.500 educational institutions worldwide.

UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network
Read article

September 2010 - Dianova in Portugal to Lead 'European Action on Drugs' Campaign at the National Level

Prevention and Health Promotion

After Dianova joined the campaign on June 25th, in Brussels, the European Commission's Directorate-General for Justice, Freedom and Security has appointed the organization in Portugal supervisor of the "EAD" campaign in this country.

The EU-led campaign, launched in 2009 in the 27 state members, currently comprises 708 different initiatives.

The European Action on Drugs

July 2010 - Nicaragua: The Dianova Espartinas Sports Club, a Hotbed of Talent

Sports and Personal Development

Since its inception, the Las Marias Holistic Education Center has placed great emphasis on student sports. In Nicaragua, the latter represents a tool that is particularly appropriate to encouraging personal development and the adequate integration of youth. Las Marias center provided the country with many young sportsmen and sportswomen who have won a number of local and national competitions. 

Read article

July 2010 - Portugal: a Traveling Photo Exhibition to Raise Awareness about Substance Abuse

Drug Awareness

To mark the 25th anniversary of Dianova Portugal, and the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Dianova launched its fourth nationwide campaign dedicated to educating youth on the risks and consequences of substance abuse, and focusing on Youth Responsibility and Corporate Citizenship.

Read article

July 2010 - Spain: Santa Lucia Center Establishes the "Recycling Difference" Workshop

Sustainable Development

In collaboration with the NGO Ecoembes, the Santa Lucia Dianova therapeutic center (Madrid region, Spain) has implemented a new recycling workshop dedicated to educating young people about Sustainable Development, a field which is just as critical to the Organization as it is to society as a whole. 

June 2010 - Italy - Dianova Launches New Drug Awareness Campaign

Prevention and Health Promotion

In order to provide an adequate response to the need for strong prevention efforts, Dianova in Italy has launched a new social communications campaign with the motto, “In a world where everything is disposable, Dianova helps you avoid wasting your life and  then throwing it away" (Non lasciamo solo chi butta via se stesso).

The campaign offers a clear, positive, comprehensive message to remind us that people are not "disposable" and that in a society which consumes too much and too quickly, including people as well as objects, it is critical to help those who are at-risk of becoming “throw-away people” because of drug dependence. Read article

June 2010 - Dianova Represents Civil Society at the 40th general assembly of the OAS in Lima (Peru)

International Relations

Representatives from the 33 countries comprising the Organization of American States (OAS) convened in Lima, Peru on June 6-8 to discuss "Peace, Security and Cooperation in the Americas". Mr. Davide Brundu and Mr. Jordi Alos represented Dianova, along with members of other NGOs representing civil society.

June 2010 - Chile - Reconstruction of Dianova Centers is Under Way After the Earthquake

Commitment to the community

Three months after an earthquake devastated the country of Chile and severely damaged the Dianova centers of that country, reconstruction has finally begun, and more intensive restoration efforts are on their way. However, while Dianova's activities are slowly recovering, the earthquake severely endangered the organization's services and viability, and there is still much to be accomplished.

Help rebuild the centers, make a donation (secure online form)

June 2010 - « La Caixa » Spanish Bank Donates 200,000 Euros to Help Renovate Santa Lucia Center

Commitment to the community

Dianova representatives and those of the social programs of the Spanish bank, La Caixa, have signed a cooperative agreement focusing on quality of life improvements for those in treatment at Dianova’s Santa Lucia center.

The project was selected by the Catalonian Institution after the launch of its annual request for proposals from various community-based Spanish organizations providing residential stays for those committed to a process of rehabilitation.

May 2010 - "Mocktails: Memories of a Night of Fun

Network - Portugal - Health Promotion

For the second consecutive year, Dianova launched a health promotion initiative during the Portugese Week of Youth, in partnership with the municipality of Torres Vedras, the municipal police, the Institute for Drugs and Drug Addiction, the Portuguese Institute of Youth and Red Bull, as well as various restaurants, bars and clubs. 

The risk behaviors associated with the use of a legal psychoactive substance such as alcohol, represent one of our most damaging social problems, with neurological, physiological and behavioral repercussions.

Download original flyer (pdf doc.)
View the initiative's outcomes on Slideshare (in portuguese language)

May 2010 - The Spanish Bank "la Caixa" Helps to Rebuild Dianova Centers in Chile

Network - Chile

The Spanish bank la Caixa has donated 5,200 euros to help rebuild Dianova Chile’s earthquake-damaged San Bernardo therapeutic community.The center had implemented a very successful therapeutic and educational residential program, however, the project came to an end after the earthquake of February 27 severely damaged San Bernardo's center and other Dianova Chilean facilities nationwide.

May 2010 - Portugal, The SOLIS Project Nominated for the Novo Norte 2010 Awards

Network - Portugal

Portugal’s SOLIS project consisted of the participation of 12 local initiatives, 11 partners, 60 months of development, more than 3600 beneficiaries and a total investment of 1.18 million euros!

The SOLIS Social and Community Development Program, conducted by Dianova Portugal, has been nominated, along with five other programs, for the NOVO NORTE 2010 awards.

May 2010 - Dianova to Represent Civil Society as a Member of the Organization of American States

International Relations

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) has voted to approve Dianova as a registered civil society organization (CSO).

This achievement represents a milestone for the overall Dianova network at a level of, and parallel to, our status with the United Nations. For this is the reason we would like to thank all those who have made it possible, and in particular our member organizations present in the American hemisphere.