June 26 is marked as International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme for this year ‘Listen First’.
The initiative around Listen First is to increase support for prevention of drug use that is based on science and is thus an effective investment in the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities.
In Eldorado Park organisations celebrated the weekend with a motorcade and other events.
The Yellow Ribbon is a campaign that will continue throughout July.
“The yellow ribbon is to raise awareness on substance abuse, creates hope, promotes active citizenship and breaks the stigma and silence against drug abuse,” Dereleen James of Crystal Sharing Without Shame said.
On Friday they kicked off the weekend by breaking the silence and stigma.
Recovering addicts spoke about their journey to recovery, showing that there is hope.
Local Drug Action Committees from Eldorado Park, Lenasia, Ennerdale and Orange Farm partnered up and drove through the communities also to raise awareness.
Active citizenship was displayed on Sunday when Mayor Parks Tau joined celebrations with residents and celebrities.
The Eldos Arts and Jazz did various acts showing that there is life outside of drugs.
Residents are urged to wear a yellow ribbon every Friday for the rest of the month to show their support in the fight against drug abuse.
