Mabvuku Community Takes Lead in Fight Against Drug...

Mabvuku Community Takes Lead in Fight Against Drug and Substance Abuse

Zim Now Writer

Efforts to curb drug and substance abuse continue to intensify, with government, civic organisations and concerned citizens teaming up to fight the growing crisis.

In Harare’s Mabvuku suburb, a community-based organisation has launched a grassroots initiative aimed at tackling the scourge through a door-to-door campaign targeting young people aged between 16 and 40.

The campaign has opened space for candid conversations, with many young people coming forward to share their personal experiences with drugs.

“Normally, I use drugs to find happiness. When I take drugs, I’ll be in my own world. When you are intoxicated, the way you see life is quite different from when you are sober,” confessed one youth.

The devastating impact of drug addiction is also being felt in families, with some parents struggling to cope.

“My 25-year-old son is a drug addict, and this has ruined our lives in ways we cannot describe. I cannot even control him. I tried to secure a start-up kit for a mechanics business but he refused,” a distraught parent shared.

Community members raised alarm over growing insecurity caused by drug users in the area.

“We are always scared in this neighbourhood because you don’t know what the next move of those drug addicts would be. House break-ins and daylight robbery are now the order of the day. Some of the victims are living with grandparents and they are in the habit of selling property to get hold of a dollar to buy drugs,” a resident said.

Despite the challenges, the campaign has been welcomed by many, particularly the youth, who see it as a step towards reclaiming their future.

“We are very excited about this programme, it will go a long way in cleaning our neighbourhood. We the young people, are the future of this nation. If this problem is not addressed, who is going to build and develop the nation? So this is a welcome initiative, the drug addicts need help,” a young resident remarked.

The campaign’s goal is not only to raise awareness, but also to gather information on the root causes of drug abuse in order to craft informed rehabilitation plans.

“Drug use among young people in Mabvuku is indeed a cause for concern. We have started a door-to-door survey where we want to find out the challenges that youths in our community are facing in relation to drug use. From the information gathered, we will then come up with effective strategies to tackle the scourge. We aim to rehabilitate and empower all victims with life skills so that they avoid relapsing and actively participate in economic development in line with the government’s vision of an empowered society,” said Pastor Tendai Meda, Director of the Pedzisai Sakupwanya Skills Development Trust.