Lions club complements Government in drug and substance abuse fight

By Varaidzo Mambendea, Correspondent

The Lions Club, an international voluntary organisation, has committed itself to combating drug and substance abuse, recognising the detrimental impact it has had on the youth, impeding their ability to achieve their aspirations.

In an interview in Gweru on Wednesday last week, District Governor Lion Crunch Kenos of District 412A, overseeing clubs in Zimbabwe and Botswana, emphasised the organisation’s unwavering dedication to tackling societal challenges for a brighter future.

The district governor is on an outreach programme, visiting all clubs in his constituency.

“We are an international voluntary organisation devoted to charitable endeavours and addressing community issues,” Governor Kenos said.

“We volunteer our time and resources to support underprivileged communities and as Lions, we actively engage with communities to identify and address pressing needs.”

Governor Kenos highlighted the prevalence of drug and substance abuse among youth globally, underscoring the Lions Club’s role in educating and rescuing vulnerable children from the streets.

“Our programmes target schoolchildren, starting from primary level, instilling in them values of humanity and the significance of mental well-being,” she said.

Over the years, the Lions Club has spearheaded various initiatives, including sponsoring essential community functions such as education, health and wellness programmes.

Governor Kenos emphasised the critical nature of addressing educational and health issues promptly to prevent loss of life and ensure the productivity of future generations, particularly among the disadvantaged.

“As the Lions Club, our primary focus lies on humanitarian programs and disaster management to secure a better future,” Governor Kenos affirmed.

The Governor’s office has been actively visiting clubs within District 412A, fortifying existing programmes and fostering closer ties with local communities.

“Our initiatives began in Zimbabwe due to the higher concentration of clubs in comparison to Botswana, allowing us to enhance our programmes in collaboration with local club leadership,” Governor Kenos stated.

She further emphasised the Lions Club’s collaborations with both local and international organisations to ensure that the underprivileged have access to crucial health services.

“The Lions Club’s enduring commitment to advocating for humanitarian causes and disaster relief underscores its dedication to shaping a more promising future for all.

“Apart from that, we are also involved in clean-up campaign and tree planting programmes to ensure that we preserve our environment so that it will meet the needs of the future generation.”