The programme came to an end last Saturday after educational activities were conducted with the youth present for the day.
Pastor John Mahlangu who organised the programme with the help of local organisations explains the importance of engaging with young in dialogue and education to try and end one of the social ills that are killing the youth in the community.
“The imperative question that we should be asking as elders of the community is what are we doing to save our children from substance abuse?
“So I saw fit to approach local stakeholders to assist, to try and get through to our youth through a programme,” he explains.
The programme received help from African Youth Development Fund (AYDF), which specialises in youth programmes.
All three programmes are aimed at developing and educating the youth with skills and mentorship programmes.
Speaking on behalf of AYDF, Musa Simelane, a master trainer, says their programmes have been proven effective because of the methodology and experience in tackling drug-related issues.
He further adds they not only educate and offer skills to the youth but they evaluate and monitor the youth after the programme, and this sets them apart.
Edward Lepogo, a stakeholder, expresses his disappointment in the turnout of youth who participated in the programme, saying they looked at 180 youth participation.
“We strongly believe our youth will make more informed decisions based on what they learn from such programmes, hence it’s a let-down when they don’t get involved in these programmes which seek to assist them in future,” says Lepogo.
