US-based Zim nurse leads fight against drug abuse

UNITED States-based Zimbabwean nurse, Ms Hilda Dube, is giving back to her homeland, Bulawayo, through community outreach programmes aimed at shielding vulnerable youths from the growing scourge of drug and substance abuse.

Through her organisation, His Grace Foundation, Ms Dube has partnered with a South African charity organisation, Waratwa Foundation, in a three-day outreach programme that blended humanitarian support with youth empowerment initiatives targeting disadvantaged communities.

The outreach began on Thursday at Vulindlela orphanages, where the organisations donated food, clothing and sanitary pads to children in need.

On Friday, the teams visited Entembeni Old People’s Home, where they provided food, cleaning support and access to eye and dental care services for the elderly.

The programme ended on Saturday with a youth engagement event at United College of Education, where young people from seven schools gathered for sporting activities centred on anti-drug and anti-crime awareness.

Speaking during the programme, Ms Dube said the initiative was inspired by growing concern over rising cases of drug and substance abuse among youths in Bulawayo.

“We’ve noticed a pandemic of substance and drug abuse and increased alcohol intake in the youth in Bulawayo,” said Ms Dube.

“Sports can be used as a way of distracting them, a form of diversional therapy, so they don’t indulge in activities that affect their future.”

Ms Dube, an alumnus of Matopo High School and a former sportsperson, said her upbringing in Zimbabwe and experiences abroad motivated her to return home and uplift communities facing social challenges.

She said His Grace Foundation works closely with Government institutions and departments such as Social Welfare and the police in supporting vulnerable groups, including victims of gender-based violence. The organisation has also partnered with Umguza Rural District Council to assist schoolchildren and pregnant women in underprivileged communities.

Beyond charity work, the foundation runs programmes focusing on mental health awareness, postpartum depression and livelihood skills training for women. The initiatives include soap and dishwashing liquid making projects aimed at helping young women become self-reliant and economically empowered.

Waratwa Foundation founder Mr Oratile Motsusi said the partnership was built on a shared vision of uplifting communities and keeping children away from harmful activities.

“We do ‘Sports Against Crime’ where we teach kids about crime and keep them away from the streets,” Motsusi said.

“I saw what His Grace Foundation does and I love it, so we decided to collaborate. This is their first time doing a sports event with us.”

Mr Motsusi said his organisation, which is based in Pretoria, South Africa, regularly conducts charity drives and feeding programmes for vulnerable people.

The South African team covered travel and donation costs for the outreach, while His Grace Foundation coordinated local logistics and community engagements.

Both organisations said they intend to continue the partnership and expand the initiative into a regional programme focused on community development and youth empowerment.