Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura
THE Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church recently organised a drug abuse awareness campaign in the city centre as part of their Beacon of Hope Pathfinder Club programme.
The event, themed “Saved to Serve,” brought together congregants from across the city.
The campaign was also attended by representatives from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), medical practitioners from Ingutsheni Hospital, health promotion officers from the City Health Services Department, members from the Valley of Hope Rehabilitation Centre, the Alcoholics Anonymous Club, and poet Zulu Mpofu.
According to Mrs Buna Maplanka, Deputy Director of the Pathfinder Beacon of Hope Club, the campaign was in response to the growing trend of drug indulgence especially among youths.
“As a church, we are extending a hand to the community to help people abstain from abusing drugs.
Our message as the SDA church is: say no to drugs. We, as Christians, are saved to serve the community,” she said.
Health promotion officer Mr Kelton Ncube emphasised the dangers of drug abuse, citing its effects on mental and physical health.
“Drug abuse can cause hallucinations, mental disorders, depression and even suicidal thoughts,” he warned.
Sergeant Prosper Tshuma, the Community Relations Liaison Officer, urged the community to collaborate with the police to combat drug abuse.
Sgt Tshuma urged residents to report drug paddlers to the police.
“Nowadays, parents no longer have time with their children. You need to spend time with these children to help them avoid drugs.”
The founder of the Valley of Hope Rehabilitation Centre, Mrs Suku Ncube, shared her personal motivation for starting the centre after her son’s involvement with drug abuse. She explained that the centre, located in Ithaka Way, Selbourne Park, assists drug addicts during their rehabilitation.
“We are here to help you, not to judge you. Don’t feel embarrassed; it’s about progress, not perfection. We are here to help,” she said.
Prince Shona, a rehabilitated individual from the Valley of Hope Rehabilitation Centre, testified to the centre’s effectiveness. He recounted his struggle with crystal meth addiction and how the centre helped him regain his normal life.
“I’m from Beitbridge; my family sent me here because I was taking crystal meth, which was costing me US$30 a day. I ended up stealing and committing robbery. My message to my peers is to stop taking drugs; it’s costly and leads to crime,” he said.
Poet Zulu Mpofu entertained the audience with a performance that conveyed the message of saying no to drug abuse.
