Trust Rukwava
Centre News Hub
Masvingo-City of Masvingo together with various stakeholders held a three day Drug and Substance Awareness Campaign targeting youths at Charles Austin Theatre as the local authority step up efforts to fight the scourge that is destroying the future of the young generation.
Masvingo City Council (MCC) Public relations and information department said the campaign provided education and empowerment for school-going youths to make informed, healthy life choices.
“Various stakeholders including the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), health personnel, educators, and community leaders came together in a concerted effort to combat the growing challenge of drug and substance abuse among young people. Central to the program were compelling testimonials from former drug addicts, who shared real-life experiences on the dangers of substance abuse, its impact on health, education, family life, and future prospects” said City of Masvingo in a statement.
To complement the City of Masvingo, Charles Austin Theatre and Zimbabwe Republic Police partnered in sensitisation sessions focusing on the legal implications of drug and substance abuse, trafficking, and possession, while health personnel are providing expert information on the physical, mental, and social consequences of drug use.
Charles Austin Theatre Director Mhlauli Mlalazi said Charles Austin Theatre has provided an interactive platform for dialogue and open discussions, allowing youths to actively participate and express their views on issues affecting them, making the campaign both educational and impactful.
“We had a 3 day anti-drug campaign from 29- 31 January beginning with a workshop which provided a platform for former drug addicts to share their experiences including their life before drugs, during drugs and after drugs. On the second day we had Masvingo Anti-drug taskforce where health experts gave us information on the dangers of drugs and substance abuse, lectures were administered by the ZRP CID department and psychologists on how they also help in their rehab centers. The third day was reserved for youth entertainment with an anti-drug in which local artists performed at Charles Austin Theatre from 6pm – 10 pm” said Mlalazi.
Drug and substance abuses in the country has been come a national crisis with cases of young people affected on the rise. Government has declared a fight against drug peddlers in the country with most of them purportedly being powerful politicians while some have powerful political links making it difficult to arrest.
Drug and substance abuse have caused menacing mental health challenges increasing the statistics of young people in need for rehabilitation and mental health medical attention.
