Breaking the bias: Getting Pregnant Girls and Adolescent Mothers back in school
DRUG and substance abuse has been cited among the greatest threats to Zimbabwe's economic growth and achievement of an upper middleincome economy by 2030.
Abuse of drugs affects the most productive age groups, from adolescents to those around 40 years.
The age group is the future of the country and long-term plans for the economy are anchored around that group.
It therefore paints a bleak future to read that a majority of people admitted to mental asylums in the country are from that age group and the leading reason for adoption is drug and substance abuse.
The drug threat is so serious that the Government recently availed a $500 million kitty for rehabilitation and awareness programmes.
President Mnangagwa announced the fund in April last year under the drug and substance abuse mitigation fund as part of efforts by the Second Republic to speed up high-impact activities in the fight against the drug menace.
He was officiating at the inaugural Economic Development Conference towards a drug-free nation for the attainment of Vision 2030 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.
“It is my expectation that the $500 million availed by my Government under the drug and substance abuse mitigation fund will accelerate high-impact activities and results in this fight to end drug abuse. These activities should reach every corner of Zimbabwe, no one and no place should be left behind,” said President Mnangagwa.
It is incumbent on every citizen to play a part in fighting drug abuse and saving friends, relatives and neighbours from the often tragic results of drug and substance abuse.
Against that background, we applaud Zimbeit studios in Beitbridge for embarking on a campaign offering free recording sessions to upcoming artistes in a move aimed at nurturing young talent and tackling drug abuse in the border town.
Founded last year by Shane Chanyandura and Allen Ngwerume, Zimbeit aims to offer access and opportunity to aspiring young artistes.
In an interview one of the founders, Chanyandura said they were inspired to create Zimbeit after seeing the challenges that were being faced by the youths in their quest to grow in the music industry.
“Our motivation is in allowing young people to showcase their talents. The average recording fee in Beitbridge is about R250 per session and we realised that most artistes are unemployed and these costs would make it difficult for them to record and showcase their talents.
“This campaign is also aimed at dealing with drug abuse that is rampant in the town through providing opportunities for the young people,” said Chanyandura.
Every effort counts and we encourage everyone to join the party and make Zimbabwe a drugfree country.
WHEN schools open their doors for the new year on January 9, Siphiwe Moyo (15),* a learner at Sivomo Secondary School in Nkayi district in Matabeleland North province is not going to turn up for classes, due to disturbing circumstances.
Cruel teasing, bullying, and social exclusion can make school a daily nightmare for her.