Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
Parents and children joined forces in a community wellness event that coincided with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, turning sport into a national call for a healthier, drug‑free Zimbabwe.
The initiative reflects how extracurricular activities can reinforce Vision2030 by keeping young people engaged, fit, and away from harmful substances.
Speaking to Zimpapers at Lusitania Primary School, headmistress Mrs Patricia Gonde said the event was designed to keep children constructively engaged, offering sports, wellness checks, and family activities as “occupational therapy.”
She emphasised that involving parents and children together strengthens the fight against drugs and supports Vision 2030’s aspirations.
“We want to keep our children occupied, she said, as you all know, with Vision2030, we want to keep our children drug‑free.”
“Instead of them roaming around the streets, they are here today with their parents trying to make sure that they stay free from drugs.”
One of the parents, Mr Sindiso Ndlovu, expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that extracurricular activities like fun runs keep children occupied after school.
He emphasised that such efforts align with Vision 2030’s goal of a drug‑free Zimbabwe.
“We are very grateful for this event that the school has set for us, to be in association with other families and our school kids.”
“Looking at Vision 2030, if all schools could adopt extracurricular activities like these fun runs more often, it would be helpful to attain one of the visions of a drug‑free Zimbabwe,”he said.
Another parent Mrs Kudzai Dumura, highlighted her participation in a 10‑kilometre run with her son.
She said that the activity raised awareness against drug abuse among students and the wider community.
“I am together with my son, and we did a 10‑kilometre run just to raise awareness against drug abuse.”
“This was for the students as well as for any other people who joined us in commemorating this day.”
One pupil explained that the commemorations encouraged both learners and parents to embrace healthier lifestyles.
They shared enthusiasm for the run, describing how distances from 5 to 21 kilometres were covered to spread awareness.
