malvernmugadzikwa
Society Reporter
MARTIN MAHENGA — a cartoonist who works for The Chronicle and is behind the strip “Ngwabi the Analyst” — has released a comic book titled “Skizzo Says No! to Drugs”.
The book is meant to educate children about the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
The story revolves around Skizzo, a boy who has a friend and classmate who sells drugs.
The friend, Kotso, tries to influence Skizzo to take drugs and other dangerous substances but he refuses.
On the other hand, Skizzo’s other friend, Tinto, is facing problems at home and he eventually starts to abuse drugs.
Tinto ultimately dies and this prompts Skizzo to push for the formation of a drug awareness club at school. This makes him a drug and substance abuse activist.
Mahenga said when it comes to children, comic books and cartoons are the most effective tools of communication.
“I noticed that comic books and cartoons are effective when it comes to communicating with young people.
“This book has been well-received and I am already working on releasing another one,” said the Bulawayo-based cartoonist.
His next production will look at how drug and substance abuse affects girls.
In 2014, Mahenga released “Skizzo vs the Bully”, a comic strip that addresses bullying in schools.
He reckons his books are popular in Bulawayo and in Botswana.
Efforts are being made to make sure his latest book reaches children in all corners of the country.
Online Reporter