Wenslus Murape
Tadious Manyepo
OVER 2000 youths from across all Methodist Church districts in the country are gathering at Chemhanza Mission in Wedza for a special convention aimed at tackling the drug and substance abuse menace.
Running under the theme “Say No To Drug And Substance Abuse”, the meeting was put together by the church leadership out of the realisation that the scourge was affecting everyone.
The Government has thrown its weight behind the initiative with Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Honourable, Tino Machakaire, commending the church leadership. Addressing the youths on Saturday, Min Machakaire said drug and substance abuse was derailing developmental efforts being implemented by the Government.
“Look, as youths, you should value your bodies through guided behaviour. I am very happy to have been invited to officiate at a meeting gathered for such a noble cause,” said Min Machakaire.
“Youths in church and out of church are being affected in one way or the other by this scourge.
“And the leadership of the Methodist Church deserves credit for addressing this pertinent issue.
“Self-discipline is the key to success. It is not only drug and substance abuse that can lead you astray as a young person.
“There are so many other social behaviours that can doom your future.
“But all that can be eliminated if you are responsible. We have opened up opportunities for the youths, including giving you access to collateral-free business loans to empower you.”
Bishop George Mawire said the church has a role to play in taming the drug abuse menace.
“Government has since declared drug and substance abuse a national disaster and we have seen it fit as a church to also play a role in complementing their efforts to tame the scourge,” said Bishop Mawire.
“We might be in a church but we also have to remember that we are dealing with young people, the youths who can be involved in drug abuse, anyhow.
“We are assisting in our own way as the church to complement the Government’s efforts. We would like to start projects that can help our youths stay away from drugs.
“I am happy that Honourable Machakaire has pledged to help us as a church in starting some income-generating projects.”
Methodist Church in Zimbabwe Youth president, Simbarashe Sinamani, echoed the same sentiments.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter