Westonaria High School held an informative meeting with parents and members of the community on Tuesday, 15 October.
According to vice-principal Derik Jonker, the purpose of the meeting was to create awareness about drugs, primarily in schools.
“It was also a way of showing the community that the school wants to help its learners.”
Esmè Eksteen, one of the deputy principals gave a short word of encouragement, explaining that the meeting was the start of a whole new venture and that she was grateful that so many people were in attendance.
She added that when school children are involved with these kinds of things, they become strangers and lost in society.
“Once a school succeeds in helping the children and welcoming them back again, it is like a parent welcoming back a lost child.”
According Denton Viljoen, manager for Education Support Services at the Gauteng West District Office, there is a support structure for these kids.
“We need to fight to make sure we keep our schools drug-free zones,” said Denton.
According to Thando Lubobo, also from the District, their key role is to provide support to learners in need of help.
Other speakers included Wilma Pretorius from Families South Africa (FAMSA); detective Sergeant Rudzani Mbambala of the Westonaria Police; Clive Moses, founder of Moses Rehabilitation Centre; as well as Charlie Buthelezi, a former drug addict.
