Online Reporter
Tanaka Nkala
SCHOOLS under the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education’s Bulawayo Central District came together recently in a peace march aimed at promoting tolerance, non-violence, and the fight against drug and substance abuse among learners.
The event, which attracted hundreds of pupils and teachers, was spearheaded by the Alternative to Violence Project Zimbabwe (AVPZ), a district peace club board established in July to tackle the growing challenges of school-based violence and the alarming rise in drug use among young people.
This initiative also seeks to encourage collaboration among schools in building peaceful and inclusive learning environments. Representing the district peace club board, Salem Mukwanda, a Lower Sixth learner at Milton High School, said that the march was a direct response to the increasing number of conflicts and violent turf wars among learners.
“As a district board, we decided to hold a peace march to send a message that violence never resolves conflict. We wanted to unite schools under one voice for peace and show that cooperation is more powerful than confrontation,” he said.
Salem further noted that the campaign also aimed to discourage drug and substance abuse, which has become a major contributor to school violence and indiscipline.
Bulawayo District Schools Inspector, Dr Lois Nozipho Ngulube, praised the learners and teachers for their proactive stance, stating that the initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader efforts to cultivate responsible and peace-loving citizens.
“As we commemorate the International Day of Peace, we also celebrate peace within our district.
“This event helps rebuild confidence among parents and communities, assuring them that our schools are committed to providing safe and nurturing environments,” she said.
Held under the theme, “Together We Learn, Together We Live in Peace, As Young Voices of Peace,” the march delivered a powerful message encouraging young people to embrace peace as a way of life, both within and beyond the classroom.
The peace clubs initiative was born out of growing concern over gang-related violence in Bulawayo schools in recent years.
Incidents of turf wars have led to tragic outcomes, including the death of a Founders High School pupil who was attacked by a Hamilton High School learner in 2023. In another case, a pupil from Nketa High School lost his life during a fight with a rival gang in 2018.
Groups of pupils, often from boys-only schools, have been involved in running battles in the city centre, particularly around Egodini Terminus, Lobengula Street, and other downtown areas. These violent encounters have alarmed parents and education authorities, prompting intervention from both government and civic organisations.
Drug and substance abuse among teenagers has also become a nationwide concern, with authorities warning that cheap illicit substances such as crystal methamphetamine (mutoriro), broncleer, and marijuana are increasingly being consumed by school-going youths.
In response, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has intensified anti-drug awareness campaigns and encouraged schools to establish peace clubs and peer counselling groups.
Yesterday’s event was attended by a range of stakeholders, including representatives from the National Aids Council (Nac), Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta), Baker’s Inn, and several city schools, all united in their call for peace, discipline, and a drug-free generation.
