Gospel star leading fight against drug abuse in schools
Gospel Artist and actor JRoss uses his own battle with substance abuse to help the youth.
The School Educational and Environmental Development (SEED) tour landed in Pimville on Friday. The day’s first stop of the tour was Mdelwa Hlongwane Primary school in Zone 5 before visiting Emshukantambo Secondary.
The SEED Thru Arts campaign has been spreading its seeds to township schools around Gauteng where they are planting a spiritual seed and a physical seed in the form of trees in the lives of the youth in less fortunate communities.
This program consists of tackling issues around drug and alcoholism, self-appreciation, environmental awareness, music, dance and the covering of prayer.
Project Director and Artist, Jamela Vuma, said his battle with drug addiction and finding his way back to his feet was what inspired him to educate young people.
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“I Spent 12 years in drugs,” said the Gospel singer.
“I’m extremely fortunate to be standing here and it can only be the grace of God. A lot of people in my position never made it back. So I feel that responsibility to share my story and try to lead others away from the mistakes I made.”
Vuma was joined by his team that included Megan Erusmus and Jared Fray. The day featured an educational session in which Vuma inspired learners to stay away from drugs and spoke of his battles with substance abuse.
The leaners were also taught the importance of planting trees. He also took the time to share some of his new music with young minds.
“The issue of Global warming is another topic that is neglected in townships. You go into the suburban areas and it’s all green. So we are trying to grow this culture of planting trees. Not only in the physical sense but also in the spiritual sense. My relationship with God is what saved me and I want to share that.”
Mdekwa Primary School Principal, Sibongile Khoza told Soweto Urban that the initiative was an important one because young people begin drugs
“We are very grateful to have received this visit. I think this is an initiative that is crucial to the development of children. I am especially glad that they are hearing this from someone who has been through it and fully understands the dangers involved. We are very pleased with the day,” Khoza said.
In hopes of the future, Vuma said he would like to see a green and drug-free youth.
“When I look five or six years down the line, I would like to see green in the townships. A society that is aware and things that are detrimental to our health, this includes the things we are eating, the shows we are watching on television. We want our children to stay away from drugs. Education is so important.”
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