Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has expressed concern over the growing prevalence of drug and substance abuse among schoolchildren and youths, and said the scourge poses a serious threat to Zimbabwe’s future.
In a statement ahead of the opening of schools for the new term, ZNOART national chairman Mr Shalvar Chikomba urged learners to remain focused on education and avoid being lured into drug abuse through peer pressure.
“As learners return to school, ZNOART urges all children to remain focused on their education, discipline and future aspirations,” he said.
“Young people are the future and vanguard of our nation, and education remains the backbone of development in every country.”
Mr Chikomba said findings from a survey conducted by the organisation indicated that youths and urban communities were among the groups most affected by drug and substance abuse.
He said the increasing accessibility of dangerous substances among school-going children was threatening not only the education sector, but also the country’s future productivity and stability.
“Peer pressure continues to destroy the dreams and potential of many young people. Some children are being influenced into dangerous habits that negatively affect their education, health, discipline, mental wellbeing and future opportunities,” Mr Chikomba said.
He called for a coordinated national response involving parents, schools, churches, communities and law enforcement agencies to tackle the problem.
Mr Chikomba urged parents and guardians to monitor and guide children closely, while schools were encouraged to strengthen awareness campaigns, counselling services and discipline.
Communities were also urged to report drug dealers and illegal drug activities, while churches and religious leaders were called upon to continue mentoring young people.
Mr Chikomba appealed to the Government to intensify the fight against drug peddling and trafficking through stricter laws and harsher penalties for offenders.
“There is a need for tougher laws and stricter penalties to deter offenders and protect communities,” he said.
Mr Chikomba also questioned how drugs continued to find their way into the country and called for strengthened border controls and investigations into trafficking networks.
He acknowledged efforts by the Zimbabwe Republic Police Drug and Narcotics Unit in combating drug and substance abuse, but said concerns remained over what it described as lenient treatment of drug-related offences within the judicial system.
He further urged the Government to increase affordable rehabilitation centres across the country and establish vocational training programmes to equip recovering youths with practical life skills and sustainable opportunities after rehabilitation.
Zimbabwe has in recent years intensified efforts to combat drug and substance abuse amid growing concern over rising cases involving young people, particularly in urban areas.
