HWANGE, SEPT 1 (NEWSDAY LIVE): WITH schools closed for the holidays, community leaders in Hwange turned to football tournaments to conscientise pupils against drug and substance abuse.
Ward 3 councillor Givemeagain Moyo said the initiative was rolled out at three schools in his ward before schools closed last week.
“We decided to come up with initiatives like the anti-drug campaign in schools through tournaments. We thought sport will be an easy platform we can use to relay the message to the pupils,” Moyo said.
He said the timing was deliberate to ensure learners were engaged before the holiday break.
“We decided to engage them before they go home for the holidays and we will engage them again at community level so that they understand the importance of the anti-drug abuse campaigns,” he said.
He added that three more schools are yet to be engaged.
Chief Nelukoba welcomed the move but said traditional leaders should be included.
“This is a very good initiative and I am not at all against because children no longer listen to their parents. The councillor must ensure that he engages us so that we unite and work on putting our children in line. I personally think it’s a very important step that has been taken by the councillor,” Chief Nelukoba said.
The push comes as Zimbabwe continues to grapple with rising drug and substance abuse particularly among the youth.
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