ON June 26, in observance of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Thabitha Community Care Services orchestrated a significant placard demonstration aimed at raising awareness and combating drug abuse within the community.
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Led by Thabitha’s founder, Sister Renette Roskruge-Wilkins, the event featured impactful stops across Wentworth, underscoring the organisation’s steadfast commitment to the cause.
“Our objective was to send a powerful message throughout Wentworth, focusing on key locations to advocate against drug abuse and trafficking,” said Sister Roskruge-Wilkins. “Starting at the intersection of Quality Street and Austerville Drive, we proceeded to Tara Road and Quality Street, then Badulla Drive, and concluded at the old Clairwood Racecourse robots. We also made a special stop at Rooks Road Park to educate children about the dangers of drugs, emphasising our dedication to safeguarding youth.”
The demonstration aimed to spotlight the devastating impact of drug abuse on families, youth and the wider community. Sister Roskruge-Wilkins emphasised the urgency of addressing this issue, describing drug abuse as a pandemic that has deeply affected lives within the community.
“We wanted to demonstrate to drug abusers and traffickers that civil society stands united against this scourge. It is destroying our children, youth and families,” she asserted. “Despite a turnout that didn’t meet our initial expectations, the presence and chants of children, adults and supportive partners conveyed our resolute message.”
The event garnered participation from various allies, including Women of Wentworth, BAFDT, Community Fathers and local pastors, all showing solidarity with Thabitha Community Care Services. The visually compelling placards reinforced the community’s unwavering stance against drug abuse.
Thabitha Community Care Services, deeply involved in drug prevention and rehabilitation, relies on peer educators who engage with adolescents and young adults daily, educating them about the risks of drug use. This educational outreach extends to high schools and will soon include senior primary school learners in the upcoming term.
The demonstration underscored the crucial role of community-driven initiatives in combating drug abuse, reaffirming Thabitha Community Care Services’ mission to protect and elevate the community through proactive engagement and education.
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