Ruwa anti-drug network launched

Rejoice Makoni

Herald Correspondent

Church leaders, Youth Against Drug and Substance Abuse and Sexual Morality Internship for Life Empowerment have launched a network to fight drug and substance abuse in Ruwa.

Ruwa Against Drug Abuse was launched at Old Windsor Primary School through a fun run with an aim of engaging everyone in the town, especially youths, and to raise awareness against drug and substance abuse.

Youths across age groups and national top athletes Tendai Zimuto and Wellington Warevi took part in the run.

SMILE director Tinotenda Mangombe said they have been working with other partners to ensure the network is moulded into a holistic community-based and community-driven entity to eradicate drug and substance abuse in Ruwa.

“We are very thankful as an organisation to everyone who took part in the run to help us achieve a drug free community. Together we can make Ruwa the best place to raise kids. So let’s encourage each other to work together to fight the pandemic of drug and substance abuse because in this case unity is not an option but a must,” said Ms Mangombe.

Pastor Edward Nyamuda said it is the church’s responsibility in communities to raise awareness through evangelism and discipleship.

“We are going to redouble our efforts to eradicate drug and substance abuse by ministering in schools because this will give us access to children before they abuse drugs” said Pastor Nyamuda.

Elliot Chitiyo of Youth and Drug and Substance Abuse Zimbabwe said awareness campaigns and sports can help in eradicating drug and substance abuse.

“Today’s fun run is one of many that will be witnessed in Ruwa. Our main aim is to keep our youths occupied so that we reduce chances of them engaging in drug abuse” he said.