Fighting substance abuse through education

Region F community stakeholders hosted a Drugs are not my Valentine campaign, which focused on peer education, sports and self-esteem grooming at La Rochelle Primary School on February 15.

Stakeholders involved in this campaign were SANCA Central Rand Alcohol and Drug Centre – Rosettenville, African Youth Development Fund, Department of Social Development (school intervention), Uncle Black Jack, Southern Courier and Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation.

The campaign seeks to encourage healthy recreational activities instead of risky behaviour, to tackle substance abuse and gender-based violence. The key message is that education is my Valentine, not drugs. It encourages fun through sports without the consumption of substances.

A member of the community development committee, Kgomotso Dhlamini, said: “The plan is to empower children through drama, dialogues, sports activities and motivation. In recognition of Valentine’s day, we aim to address the values, perceptions, expectations and beliefs that the community associates with substances and develop personal and social skills of people, especially children, to increase their capacity to make informed and healthy choices about drugs and recreational activities.”

Ke Moja coach, Bertha Fourie. talked about substance abuse. “There are three types of drugs. Legal drugs are sold over the counter at the pharmacy. Illegal drugs you mainly get from the streets, like nyaope, mushroom and cocaine, while prescribed drugs are given to you by a medical practitioner which you may not share, as they are prescribed for you,” she explained.

There were also representatives from The Corinthians, Emile Madlolo and Khuthadzo Nemahunguni, who talked about the activities they offer. “We have different kinds of sports codes which include cricket, soccer, blind soccer and netball among others,” said Nemahunguni.

Madlolo mentioned that they assist learners after school with homework, science and robotics, dance, drama and visual arts classes. “We help from Grade R to Five on weekdays until 17:00.

“Learners must ask their parents to allow them to come to us. It is free for the first two months and then after an R100 fee is required. This is to cover food and sometimes transport,” she said.

Josue Muska Musenge aka Uncle Black Jack entertained the audience with a magic show. He is a Congolese magician who shares his talent with learners while teaching them about the negative impact of drugs and alcohol.