Story by Fungai Jachi
THE church continues to extend its long-standing efforts to nurture and protect children and youths from the effects of societal ills, particularly drug and substance abuse.
Addressing social norms and attitudes that drive harmful practices among children and the youth has been a key component of Christian faith since time immemorial.
This Saturday, scores of children drawn from various parts of Harare converged in Highfield for the Johane Masowe Chishanu children’s interface aimed at tackling drug and substance abuse among youths.
The event was also a platform to award scholars who excelled in the just ended public examinations.
The children highly condemned the use of drugs.
“It’s wrong for children to take drugs because it will ruin their mental capacity and they end up unable to realize their dreams,” said a child.
Another added, “Drugs are harmful to health. Also while others are focusing on their studies, you will be concentrating on intoxicating yourself and it destroys your future.”
“It is a big embarrassment to parents because they work hard to make sure you get quality education so we should make them proud,” a child added.
Leader of the congregation, Madzibaba Moses Gwasira weighed in on the issue.
He said, “Drugs have become a nuisance world over. My advice is for parents to continuously monitor their children’s behaviour. Children are the future so they should be educated enough to lead and develop the nation.”
Government has instituted an inter-ministerial task force to spearhead the fight against drug and substance abuse which is threatening to wipe out generations.
