Students to be empowered to resist substance abuse

The African Women Leadership Academy (TAWLA), a member of the Botswana Council of NonGovernmental Organisations (BOCONGO) will be hosting a fundraising dinner themed, “Combating the Scourge of Alcohol and Substance abuse in Schools” on the 13th of October 2023 at Cresta Lodge in Gaborone.

The event will be officiated by the Assistant Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Buti Billy, and will also be graced by the Director of Gender Affairs Department, Thapelo Phuthego, among other dignitaries.

According to the Coordinator of the organisation, Boitumelo Maswabi, this event comes on the backdrop of secondary schools in and around

Gaborone approaching TAWLA for assistance in combating the scourge of alcohol and substance abuse in schools.

“TAWLA has developed an eight-week programme, which will employ different approaches and methods of intervention for selected youth from these schools.

“A total of 40 students will benefit from the programme and will be trained to remain as school champions for alcohol and substance abuse in their schools,” she explained.

The organisation was established in 2010, and it seeks to empower youth through life and leadership skills training, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Since its inception in 2010, TAWLA has grown its programming to include boys and people with disabilities, she explained.

“Our programmes include an annual leadership and mentorship programme targeting youth in secondary schools; community and school outreach programmes tackling social issues affecting adolescents; HIV/AIDS and sexual reproductive health and rights programme; youth development programme for young women with disabilities; and advocacy campaigns. To date, TAWLA has reached 2 500 young women and men,” she explained.