MULLERSTUIN – As a way to address the pressing issue of drug addiction among students, a group of 92 pupils from Sebokeng Technical College were taken to the Jamela Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday, October 17.
Their tour was an initiative aimed at challenging the stiff mindset that rehabilitation centers are like prisons instead of places that offer a path toward recovery and a brighter future.
Jamela Rehabilitation Center, situated on the outskirts of Vanderbijlpark, opened its doors to the students and staff from the college, giving them a multifaceted tour.
According to the school’s social worker, about 342 students are grappling with various drug dependencies.
These dependencies include substances such as Doboro, crystal meth, marijuana, and lean medicine.
Accompanied by eleven dedicated teachers, the pupils were provided with a firsthand look at the center’s facilities and programs, aimed at helping these young individuals break free from the clutches of addiction.
Motivational speakers addressed the students during their visit, shedding light on the risks associated with drug use and the path to recovery.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, School Based Social Worker at the college, Busisiswe Tshabalala said “We have realised that substance abuse is rife at the school, and when we recommend rehab, the response is that rehabs are a prison. We are trying to change that mindset and make pupils understand that rehabs are a place to change their lives.”
“We brought 92 pupils although we had requested for 100. Our school has an overall of 342 kids who are battling with drug addiction and we took the high-risk batch,” she said.
Tshabalala said the mandate was fulfilled and received a positive reaction.
“We have reached the goal that we wanted to achieve. We going to continue to motivate these children to attend rehabs and be saved from their addictions,” she said.
Chief Social Worker at the facility, Patricia Diatshwana said “The tour aimed to change the outlook of the learners and try those save those who are already hooked. Substance abuse is predominant in our schools and the college is among the first to come approach us after identifying an enormous number of users. We educated students about drugs and the development of addiction, and we believe the tour played a huge role in changing the mindset, and the students left with fully fed minds on what goes on here.”
