Children taught about dangers of drugs

According to Ralph Changane from the Bereshith Centre, a lack of economic opportunities for young people has stripped them of their dignity and, as a result, many of them resort to drugs.

Changane was speaking at a substance abuse awareness day organised by the Ilanga Extension NPO in Emandleni on March 31.

“The underlying root-cause analysis of the problem lies largely in sub-economic conditions. There are no job opportunities for young people.

“We’ve stripped the dignity away from them. They feel useless and cannot support or look after their families and themselves. This results in them falling into depression. We need to create opportunities for them,” Changane said.

He explained that the country faces a drug abuse pandemic, and South Africans must unite to defeat it.

He said a drug prevention programme is vital at the preschool and primary school levels so that the children grow up knowing the dangers of drugs.

“Prevention is better than cure. It’s important to bring awareness to these children so that they understand the dangers that come with drug use. We have to eradicate this pandemic.”

Children from the area braved the cold and listened while being addressed by speakers on the dangers of substance abuse.

Some dressed warmly, while others walked barefoot and wore only T-shirts. They enjoyed themselves on the three jumping castles, and some danced to the sounds blasting from the giant speakers.

Ilanga Extension’s Million Khoza told the paper the purpose of the event was to show the children they are loved and appreciated.

He said the organisation intends to keep the children occupied because they are most vulnerable during the school holidays.

“During the holidays, they get up to a lot of mischief. We want to keep them busy, away from any wrongdoing.

There are lots of vulnerable children in this community. We want to show them we support them and will help them with anything they need,” Khoza said.

According to Khoza, Ilanga Extension was established in 2018 to look after orphaned children and support those with TB and HIV/Aids.

He said the organisation looks after 460 children.

“We have assistants who help the children with their homework. We also assist less fortunate families with two meals a day and offer counselling and support to the ill.

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