In a proactive effort to educate the youth about the perils of substance abuse, the Department of Correctional Services recently joined other stakeholders during the career guidance day for learners at Mandlomsobo Primary School in Ekangala.
The event, aimed to equip learners with vital information about career choices, while simultaneously addressing the critical issue of substance abuse, took place on September 26.
According to the stakeholders, Mandlomsobo Primary, with its 600 learners from grades R to seven, is an important foundation for early education and development in the community.
Thembeka Mahlangu, a social worker from Social Development, emphasised their efforts to steer children away from risky and criminal behaviour during the school holidays.
“While keeping learners engaged during this break, we ensured they don’t go home hungry, as many are from parentless households,” said Mahlangu.
He said substance abuse can have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only academic performance but also long-term career goals and opportunities.
William Hlabathi, correctional services community liaison officer, highlighted the detrimental effects of substance abuse, drugs and alcohol on both personal health and future career prospects.
“We want our youth to understand the choices they make today can shape their tomorrow without being hindered by consequences of abusing alcohol and drugs,” said Hlabathi.
Learners were informed that careers in correctional services go beyond working with inmates. It also offers opportunities in agriculture, communication, trades, law, nursing, information technology, finance, human resources, psychology and social work.
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The event also featured a testimonial from Thapelo Nkosi, a parolee arrested for the first time when he was 16.
Nkosi shared his experiences with substance abuse and the impact it had on his life.
“As a former drug and substances user, I don’t wish you to follow my path because I lost wonderful opportunities in my youth while in custody,” Nkosi told the learners.
He urged learners to listen to their parents and abstain from getting involved with the wrong friends.
“Mandlomsobo Primary School’s ceremony served as a critical platform for educating learners not only about career opportunities but also the dangers of substance abuse. With the rising number of young people falling into crime and dropping out of school,” said Mashudu Mutamba, communication officer at Zonderwater Correctional Services in a media statement released on October 4.
“As crimes committed during substance abuse are on the rise, Zonderwater Correctional Services accepted the responsibility to combat it by utilising parolees and probationers as ambassadors.
“Zonderwater strongly believes career guidance will pave a brighter future for learners, hence creating the drug-free society”.
