EDITORIAL COMMENT: MORE HANDS NEEDED IN RECLAIMING THE FUTURE OF YOUTHS

According to the authorities, key goals include promotion of a strategic multi-sectoral programme of interventions or initiatives to address Drug and Substance Abuse across sectors to achieve the desired vision, goals and targets.

LAST year the Zimbabwe Government launched an anti-drug campaign under the theme “The Strength is in You”, which is meant to raise awareness on the effects of drug and substance abuse (DSA) while supporting those in need of rehabilitation.

This was in response to the rise in numbers of youths abusing drugs and it was considered very high on the continent.

As part of the campaign, key stakeholders in the anti-drug campaign included survivors of drugs and substance addiction and then a combination of influencers and celebrities.

The idea is for survivors to show others the way and then influencers to try and encourage open dialogue and equip young people with skills to resist drugs.

A number of institutions and groups have been helping the government in the battle against drug and substance abuse.

The latest such group is the Teen Rescue Mission, which has worked with over 2000 youths giving them self-empowering skills projects.

The organisation says it has assisted more than 2000 youths in terms of awareness, educational programmes, reaching out in communities and churches on a based door to door.

In a time when drug and substance abuse continue to rob our streets of young potential, it is both refreshing and inspiring to witness real, tangible action.

We commend the remarkable efforts of TRM , which has successfully empowered over 2,000 youths through projects designed to steer them away from street life and the dangerous grip of drugs.

We believe this is not just an act of charity but a contribution to nation-building and the organisation is offering practical skills, mentorship, and opportunities for self-reliance, which should be useful in building a clean society.

There are a number of other institutions like TRM which are complementing government efforts in the fight against drug and substance abuse. We therefore urge local authorities, private sector players, and other civic organisations to support and scale such initiatives.

This fight cannot be won in isolation but needs collaboration, funding, and attention.

Experts say that keeping youths away from drugs requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both prevention and empowerment.

They suggest some effective ways of achieving this, top of the list being to equip young people with vocational training, entrepreneurship support, and job placement programs.

It is believed and agreed that a sense of purpose and financial independence reduces the allure of drugs.

So while the drugs situation is worrying, it is encouraging to see a rise in number of organisations coming together to help in the fight.