Sundaymail Editor
Trish Christi and Tirivashe Nyamukapa
A SEMINAR to raise awareness on drug and substance abuse was recently held at Chitekwe Hall in Mutoko.
The highly subscribed event was organised by the Mutoko-based Youth Initiative Organisation.
Drug abuse has become a serious challenge, especially among the youth. If not addressed, the scourge threatens to wipe out a generation.
Most young people appear to be losing focus due to alcoholism and drug abuse, an issue the seminar tried to address.
The scourge is spreading faster than a veld fire and has had serious repercussions on our norms and values as a country.
Both boys and girls at different learning institutions need to be educated on the dangers of delinquent behaviour. They urgently need help.
The gesture by the Youth Initiative Organisation — bringing together learners, teachers, parents, Government officials, National Aids Council members and politicians, among other stakeholders, to discuss this crucial topic — is highly commendable.
Among the schools that took part in the event are Munashe High, Nyamuzuwe High, Mutoko High, All Souls High and Mutoko Central High.
Learners were divided into three groups that focused on different issues pertaining to causes of drug and substance abuse, as well as their impact on the personal, community, family and national levels.
Well-thought-out feedback from each group was presented. It was generally agreed that drugs and substances have a negative impact on learners.
The effects were said to be both physical and psychological.
It was also noted that most people who abuse drugs are cutting their lives short due to health complications that arise as a result of engaging in such illegal and unhealthy practices
The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training team was led by Ms Martha Bota, who is the projects officer for Mutoko district.
The organisers of the event, led by their director Mr Philip Muyengwa, were happy with the turnout and smooth flow of the programme. They plan to hold similar events in future.
After all was said and done, lunch was provided to all attendees, courtesy of the Youth Initiative Organisation.
Trish Christi and Tirivashe Nyamukapa are both Form Three learners at Munashe High Private School in Mutoko. Learners can write short poems/stories or about special events at their schools and send to: [email protected]
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