Harare, (New Ziana) -Initiated by First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa in 2021, the Nhanga/Gota/Ixiba program has expanded to urban centres to lend a hand to the fight against the scourge of drug and substance abuse ravaging those communities.
Launched at Tendai Hall in Mufakose high-density suburb this week, the program also aims to fight crimes such as theft, vandalism, rape as well as restore cultural values among the urban youths.
The aim of initiating the Nhanga/Gota/Ixiba program was to bring back the cultural values, norms, practices around the country to help youths lead better lives, with the program activities having until now, been focusing on rural areas.
Young men and boys learnt to slaughter small animals such as goats, a crucial aspect of Zimbabwean cultural tradition, and ways of approaching different situations with maturity as well as staying away from the use of drugs and substances.
Conversely, girls and young women learnt how to prepare traditional meals, look after themselves and abstaining from early sexual activities as well as making informed choices about their bodies, futures any careers.
Speaking at the launch, Sport, Arts and Culture Deputy Minister, Emily Jesaya urged the youth to embrace
good values and avoid drug and substance abuse which often leads to a life of crime and destruction.
She encouraged the elderly to lead the youths and teach them the values and norms of the society.
“Education is the key to success but if such a person is unable to associate with others, the education becomes of little value. Families, societies and the whole country appreciate people who can be patterned and have a vision and purpose,” she said.
“We have high hopes to put an end to the use of drugs and substances in our country. There are criminals
getting wealthy by selling death to others. Youths stay away from drugs and build your lives.”
Elderly people who attended the program launch expressed gratitude for the Nhanga/Gota/Ixiba program as they explained the devastating effects of drug addiction, difficulties of living alongside addicts, witnessing the death toll rise with an average of four to five lives lost every week.
They also indicated that communities have seen a rise in teenage pregnancies, drug use among girls and horrific instances of rape with victims including parents and siblings.
“An average 4-5 people die from drug abuse every week in communities where we live. There are high rates of school dropouts and teenage pregnancies due to girls using drugs as well,” said Chipo Mlacha of Mufakose.
New Ziana