Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
MISS International 1st Runner-Up Yollanda Chimbarami says empowering recovering addicts with income-generating projects helps them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.
Yollanda called for greater emphasis on economic empowerment as a key component in addressing drug and substance abuse in Zimbabwe. She said this after attending a stakeholders’ engagement meeting at the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works’ National Disaster Management Centre.
The meeting brought together various partners, including the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Mutsa Bees Honey Company, the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe, and other stakeholders.
The engagement focused on Zimbabwe’s National Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024–2030), which is guided by seven strategic pillars aimed at tackling the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse across the country.
Among the pillars discussed, Yollanda said Pillar 7, which focuses on Resource Mobilisation and Economic Strengthening, stood out as particularly significant.
“Recovery must be supported by sustainable livelihoods and opportunities, not just awareness campaigns and rehabilitation programmes,” she said.
Yollanda highlighted the work of Pastor Charity, who is helping recovering addicts create accessories from recyclable materials such as old cassette tapes, compact discs, bottles and packaging waste. She said the initiative not only provides participants with a source of income but also restores dignity and self-worth while contributing to environmental sustainability.
“The project demonstrates how recovery, environmental responsibility and economic empowerment can work hand in hand,” she said.
As an ambassador for education, she said such initiatives align with Sustainable Development Goal 12, which promotes responsible consumption and production. Yollanda urged stakeholders to continue supporting programmes that combine prevention, rehabilitation and economic empowerment, saying lasting solutions to drug and substance abuse require a holistic approach.
“Real change happens when prevention, recovery and economic empowerment work together,” she said.
