Online Reporter
Maria Chiguvari
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
MODEL Nyasha Manzou recently hosted a Drug and Substance Abuse awareness campaign aimed at raising awareness from the grassroots level.
She held the campaign, in collaboration with the United Methodist Church St Paul in Mbare, at Bright Girls Movement.
Nyasha said the motive is to educate youths and community members on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
She encouraged young people to choose positive lifestyles.
The event brought together community members, youth organisations, faith leaders, and government representatives to discuss the growing challenge of drug abuse and how it affects young people.
In an interview, Nyasha said this was meant to encourage young people to make informed choices, promote community dialogue, and provide practical solutions to address substance abuse.
“The awareness campaign successfully created a platform for open discussion about drug and substance abuse within the Mbare community.
“Youths gained valuable knowledge about the risks associated with drug use and were encouraged to pursue positive opportunities.
“The campaign also strengthened partnerships between youth organisations, community groups and government stakeholders in addressing substance abuse,” she said.
The awareness campaign demonstrated the importance of collective community action in addressing social challenges affecting young people.
“Through collaboration, education, and faith-based guidance, we were encouraging the youths to choose life, remain sober-minded, and say no to drugs, reinforcing the message inspired by Book of Deuteronomy 30:19.”
The campaign, which had a community march, music, poetry, entertainment, and awareness activities, attracted the participation of many youths from the community.
Naume Kusotera shared insights on the realities of drug abuse among young people and encouraged the youths to pursue healthier paths.
A representatives from the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development, spoke about how drug abuse contributes to social challenges such as gender-based violence and community instability.
The audience was encouraged to seek help and support systems when facing challenges related to substance abuse.
Inspirational remarks were shared by Pastor Karen, who encouraged youths to make positive life choices, and rely on faith and community support to overcome challenges.
Tate Makayi, ambassador from the African union Youth Council, spoke passionately about the impact of drug abuse on the future of young people and emphasised the importance of youth leadership in addressing the crisis.
Mathew Masinge