Story by Tamuka Charakupa
CHINHOYI Town Junior Council, this Friday, organised a sports gala where sensitisation on the negative impact of the drug and substance abuse scourge was topical.
The initiative targets young people, particularly those of school-going age, who are seen as the most vulnerable to drug abuse.
“As Junior Council, we are taking this campaign to all schools across the province to raise awareness and encourage young people to make the right choices,” Junior President Lionel Mazarire said.
“This programme really helps us understand the dangers of drugs and how they affect our future. It is good that we learn this through sports because it keeps us active and focused on positive things,” Chinhoyi Town Council Junior Mayor, Patient Maraidza noted.
“We see a lot of our peers getting involved in drugs at school, mostly because of pressure or lack of awareness. These campaigns remind us that drugs destroy lives and that we must make better choices,” a student, Fazila Saiti added.
Organisers, including Chinhoyi Town Council Clerk Simon Marara, and the Minister of State for Mashonaland West Honourable Marian Chombo, both emphasised the need for a multi-stakeholder approach in tackling drug and substance abuse.
“Drug abuse is destroying the future of our youth. We need parents, schools, churches, and community leaders to work together in ending this crisis. As a Junior Council, we will ensure that we fund such initiatives to ensure they continue,” Chinhoyi Town Council Mayor, His Worship Owen Charuza said.
“The government is committed to ensuring our young people are protected. We urge the creation of more recreational facilities to keep them meaningfully engaged,” Honourable Chombo noted.
The government has reiterated its commitment to leaving no stone unturned in the fight against drug abuse, with renewed calls for the establishment of more recreational facilities to keep the youth engaged in positive activities.
