Online Reporter
Thokozile Mbedzi
IN a holy declaration of war against drug and substance abuse, 40 peer educators have been officially unleashed into the community by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ), armed not with fists, but with faith, facts, and fire!
The commissioning ceremony lit up Sizinda Hall, where church leaders, councillors, health professionals, and rehab experts joined hands in a spiritual and social stand-off with the drug scourge that’s chewing through Bulawayo’s youth.
“Let’s save these souls!”
That was the rallying cry from Ward 21 Councillor Tinevimbo Maposa.
“Our youths are waking up to drink instead of dreaming! We need unity, love, and action. This madness must end.”
The 40 certified peer educators are the new foot soldiers — trained to educate, intervene, and ignite change in Tshabalala-Sizinda and beyond. Backed by a network of schools, churches, and health workers, they’re going door to door, verse by verse, and block by block to say: Drugs, your days are numbered!
“This is war, both spiritual and social,” declared Pastor Mbongeni Proud Dube, the visionary behind the campaign.
“We’re not just talking anymore. We’re commissioning. These youths are now ambassadors of change!”
Bishop Dr Michael Dube of the ZCC made it official, invoking 2 Timothy 1:6-7 as he laid hands on the peer educators:
“God gave you power, love and self-discipline — not fear. Go and do your work!”
Rev Usein Sibanda from Zimbabwe Christian Alliance challenged the community: “We must act. Not gossip. Not accuse. Let’s rescue these kids before we bury them!”
Mike Chipula from Mandipa Hope Rehabilitation Centre added a hard truth: “This is not witchcraft, it’s addiction. Take your children for help before it’s too late.”
The campaign is far from over. It continues with fire:
May 3: Massive Community Seminar with church and health leaders
May 16: Awareness March through Tshabalala-Sizinda
May 18: Street Blitz with music, drama, poetry, and peer educator outreach
This initiative builds on the momentum started earlier at the Tshabalala-Sizinda Chapel on 1 May, where the ELCZ hosted a bold training titled “Stay Sober, Stay Strong!” equipping peer educators with real tools to fight against the growing wave of drugs stealing futures across Bulawayo.
As one peer educator declared: “We are ready. But we need more support — not just from pastors, but from parents and leaders too.”
Drugs, beware.
This is no longer a whisper in the church.
This is a war cry in the streets!
