NGO tackles alcohol abuse in universities

Nokukhanya Moyo Sunday News Reporter A NON-Governmental Organisation, Boost Fellowship in collaboration with Delta Corporation will soon host the sixth annual Enactus competition which will mainly focus on eradicating alcohol abuse among the youths. Enactus is an international non-profit making organisation dedicated to inspiring students to improve the world through entrepreneurial action. It provides a platform for teams of outstanding university students to create community development projects that put people’s own ingenuity and talents at the centre of improving their livelihoods. This year’s Enactus campaign will be held in Harare on 7 October under the theme “Above the influence-campaign against Alcohol Abuse”. In an interview, Enactus monitoring and evaluation manager Miss Talent Chinyamutengira said the programme was led by young leaders who are responsible ambassadors at 11 tertiary institutions across Zimbabwe. The universities include; Africa University, Bindura University of Science Education, Catholic University in Zimbabwe, Chinhoyi University of Technology, Great Zimbabwe University, Harare Institute of Technology, Midlands State University, National University of Science and Technology, Solusi University, Women’s University in Africa and University of Zimbabwe. “The programme targets to raise awareness on the effects of alcohol abuse through campaigns. The programme is focused on sustaining and reinforcing campaign efforts, with teams targeting at least three of the following position papers or thematic areas; Alcohol and pregnancy, alcohol and violence, drinking and driving, underage drinking, illicit brews and binge drinking,” said Miss Chinyatengira. Midlands State University (MSU) Enactus president Mr Tatenda Zuze said the campaign has also brought a positive change at the institution. “As MSU, we are focusing on alcohol, violence and pregnancy because these are the most things that affect students on campus. We have some sponsors who are also helping us during the campaigns,” said Mr Zuze. Mr Zuze said the MSU campus clinic was also helping them with counselling on the dangers of alcohol intake during pregnancy.