Story by John Nhandara
Youths in Harare are scaling up the fight against drug and substance abuse through engagements in various sporting, cultural and awareness activities.
In a proactive effort to combat the scourge of drug and substance abuse, hundreds of youths converged in Harare for a multifaceted campaign that combined sports, cultural activities and educational workshops to fight the scourge.
ZANU PF Harare Province Youth Chair Kudakwashe Mahachi told the ZBC News, “This is a programme that will help us as youths in line with the President’s vision of a drug free society.”
“We are motivated by the need to raise more awareness on drug and substance abuse which is affecting communities,” organising partner, Luckmore Gapa weighed in.
The event featured a series of activities such as musical performances, poetry and sporting competitions that include soccer and netball, drawing teams from various schools and community groups.
“These are part of the many programmes that we feel should take the agenda of addressing drug and substance abuse to another level and we applaud the youths for coming up with such an initiative,” noted ZANU PF Politburo member, Senator Omega Hungwe.
Participants highlighted the importance of the initiative in addressing the scourge of drug and substance abuse.
“We will get occupied through these activities and it diverts our attention from taking drugs,” of the youths said.
Government has since set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse aimed at implementing medium to long-term measures to fight the scourge which is affecting the youth dividend.
