First Lady assembles multi-sectoral team to counsel imbibing minors

. . . parents of children consuming alcohol to be engaged

REACTING to the disturbing video of children who were recorded taking alcohol publicly which went viral on social media platforms last Christmas, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa has assembled a special team drawn from all the 10 provinces to engage the parents/guardians and counsel the minors to mould them into responsible citizens.

The first-of-its-kind and multi-sectoral committee, will assess the children, their family backgrounds and other causative factors like the proliferation of bars with a view to nipping the scourge in the bud.

The committee will also work with the police in raising awareness against drug and substance abuse in their provinces and communities.

According to the police, more minors were also recorded drinking beer at Juru growth point on the new year’s eve.

These children and their parents have also been invited by the First Lady.

Because of her passion for the well-being of children and their parents, the First Lady highlighted that she will come up with income generating projects for the parents and guardians of the juveniles in question.

The intervention by the mother of the nation reinforces her resolve to ensure children focus on their school work and are not swept away by the tide of drug abuse which is affecting most parts of the world today mainly due to Western influences.

Among others, the team to be led by the First Lady comprises traditional chiefs, wives of chiefs, pastors, social commentators, women from various churches, the police’s Victim Friendly Unit, professional counsellors, health practitioners and family therapists.

Amai Mnangagwa has a passion for women and children and has a number of programmes including Gota/ Nhanga/Ixhiba, Nharirire yeMusha and First Lady Against Drugs where she personally interacts with children and parents, giving them direction on what is expected of them.

She encouraged the team to hit the ground running and make a huge difference in the lives of youths around the country. The First Lady and her team will meet the minors and their parents today at Zimbabwe House in a friendly environment.

“I want to thank you all for coming from all the 10 provinces. I invited you to this event which touches the hearts of many parents which occurred on December 25, 2023.

◆ Full story on www.herald.co.zw

Social commentator and talk show host Dr Rebecca Chisamba expresses her views while other members of the committee look on during an interactive meeting which was organised by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa to find ways to engage and counsel children who were recorded taking alcohol and also help their guardians at Zimbabwe House yesterday

- Pictures: John Manzongo Roman Catholic Sister Kanyere expresses her views while other members of the committee look on during an interactive meeting which was organised by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa to find ways to engage and counsel children who were recorded taking alcohol and also help their guardians at Zimbabwe House yesterday.

First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa addresses the committee she formed to engage children who were recorded partaking alcohol and also help the guardians and parents at Zimbabwe House yesterday

Prophetess Anna Moyounotsva expresses her views during an interactive meeting to find ways to engage and counsel children who were recorded taking alcohol and also help their guardians at Zimbabwe House yesterday

Mrs Betty Mutamba representing the church expresses her views during an interactive meeting to find ways to engage and counsel children who were recorded taking alcohol and also help their guardians at Zimbabwe House yesterday

Chief Chikwaka expresses his views during an interactive meeting organised by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa to find ways on how to engage and counsel children who were recorded taking alcohol