Pupils learn about substance abuse

This ahead of International Day Against Drug Abuse on 26 June. The group wants to unite South Africans in making a stand and educating youth on substance abuse.

The programme is supported by a bilateral project from USAID; Sexual Prevention Programme and the South African government.

A team of 11 of the group’s counsellors and three community members addressed the pupils, class by class, on the dangers of substance abuse and how to refer a person to get the necessary help. About 1425 pupils were addressed on this wide-ranging social epidemic.

The series of talks were co-ordinated by Anne Rajcoomar and Lian Taljaard from the group. Each pupil was given a “Say No to Drugs” pamphlet to ensure that information was readily available on legal and illegal drugs, why drugs are bad, the effects of substance abuse and where the appropriate referrals could be made.

All pupils were encouraged to use the 24-hour substance abuse helpline. The group received 16 requests for counselling. Apples and juices were distributed to the school.

The group said teachers also play an important role in the pyscho-social development of the pupils. During the lunch break, Lefate Makunyane and Anne Rajcoomar from the group, addressed the teachers on the warning signs of substance abuse.

Teachers are viewed as mentors and role-models to the pupils, and they have an additional task or detecting substance abuse among their pupils and referring them to the appropriate places for treatment and rehabilitation.

According to the life orientation teacher at Tsosoloso ya Africa, drug abuse is a huge problem in the community and it affects the pupils as their family members may be drug users.

The teachers also received cakes and issued the group with a letter of appreciation for enlightening the staff and pupils on Substance Abuse.

Details: Substance abuse hotline 0800 12 13 14 or www.sadag.org or send a sms to 32312