Online Reporter
Thokozile Mbedzi
THE Ecumenical Youth Fellowship (YEF) under the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) turned St Columba’s High School into a battlefield of hope as hundreds of young people gathered for a Sports Day against drug abuse.
The anti-drug festival, held on 16 August, saw Bulawayo’s church youth lace up their boots, dribble past temptation and slam dunk the message that drugs have no place in their lives.
ZCC Bulawayo regional coordinator Payton Sibanda said the event was not only about tackling substance abuse but also reviving and strengthening the youth movement in the city.
“Our main focus is to rebuild the ZCC youth movement in Bulawayo while raising awareness on the dangers of drugs,” said Sibanda.
The Sports Day drew heavyweight backing from Econet, the National Aids Council (NAC), Bakers Inn’s- Mr Sinkwa, Uthando Trust, community soccer clubs from Makokoba and Mzilikazi, St Columba’s High School and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe Gender Justice Desk.
Rev Mbongeni P Dube, chairperson of the Local Ecumenical Fellowship, said the campaign was a roaring success.
“The roadshow truck from Bakers Inn became a powerful tool in spreading the anti-drug message across Makokoba and Mzilikazi. The collaboration made this event truly remarkable,” said Rev Dube.
The day also saw a new YEF provincial executive being elected, with Bishop Mbongeni Dube leading the induction and prayers for the incoming leadership.
