Mutare revives youth centres to fight drug abuse

 

Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter

 

IN a proactive move to combat the escalating problem of drug abuse, Mutare City Council is revamping its three dormant youth centres to provide a platform for hundreds of young people to engage in transformative commercial activities, empowering them to lead positive and productive lives.

 

Youth centres play a vital role in the lives of youngsters, serving as safe havens where they can socialise, learn new skills, and engage in constructive activities.

 

These centres provide a platform for young people to express themselves, build confidence, and develop essential life skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.

 

By offering a wide range of programmes and services, youth centres help youngsters navigate the challenges of adolescence, make informed decisions, and set goals for their future.

 

However, youth centres in Mutare had fallen into neglect due to a combination of factors, including inadequate funding, lack of resources, and poor maintenance.

 

Over time, the facilities had deteriorated, rendering them unusable and inaccessible to the very youngsters they were intended to serve.

 

Additionally, the absence of effective management and programming had led to a decline in interest and participation among young people, ultimately resulting in the centres being abandoned.

 

The youth centres located in Sakubva, Chikanga and Central Business District will open doors to youths from all walks of life to conduct businesses such as mushroom farming, market gardening and acquire Information, Communication Technology (ICT) skills.

 

There has been calls by Government and residents for local authorities to revamp and revive idle amenities such as parks, youth centres, sports fields and halls so that they can be utilised by youngsters to horn and sharpen their life skills.

 

The lack of adequate and closure of recreational and vocational hubs has been cited as one of the reasons why youths are now resorting to drugs and substance abuse.

Mutare City Council spokesperson, Mr Charles Sadondo said they will be partnering with development partners to train youths aged from 15 to 35 years.

 

They will also be involved sporting activities.

 

“We are scaling up operations at our youth centres across the city to engage youths in skills training, aiming to steer them away from drug and substance abuse. Our goal is for youths to participate in income generating projects and acquire life-changing skills.

 

“Sport will also be utilised as a platform to engage youths and educate them on the dangers of substance abuse. We are also working with development partners to establish youth hubs where our youths can be productive and earn a living from the skills they acquire at these centres.

 

“Some of the projects that we are planning to undertake include mushroom farming, nutrition gardens and ICT skills. We have three youth centres in Sakubva, Chikanga and CBD. Youths from 15 to 35 years are our main target,” said Mr Sadondo.

 

Visionary Cadre Association secretary-general, Mr Innocent Ngenga said the revival of youth centres is key to reducing the drug menace, adding that sporting facilities must also be revamped.

 

“Most of our youths are very active, but a good number of them are unemployed. So, coming up with initiatives like this enable them to earn something. Lack of finances can cause stress, leaving the youths to think taking drugs maybe the solace. Youths must never be allowed to be idle as they will be tempted to experiment with dangerous and harmful substances.

 

“Recreational facilities play important roles in preventing youths from indulging in substance and drug abuse. Sakubva Swimming Bath is one massive facility that will make a huge difference if it is revived. There are a lot of talented sports persons from the suburbs, but their potential is being limited by lack of facilities to show case their unique abilities,” said Mr Ngenga.