The Methodist church in Zimbabwe Hwange youths recently joined the rest of the world in
commemorating the day of an African child by holding several activities in the town.
The commemoration which ran under the theme Revived restored and drug free Youths attracted a
number of youths at Coal Fields Primary.
The event started with a march from the town square to Coalfields primary school where there was
a packed programmed with a number of activities such as music, dance, poetry, colour run and many
others.
One such youth, Benjamin Ndlovu, who was part of the commemoration said the day was a quick
reminder of them from abstaining from drug abuse through sporting activities.
“It was a great day as young people celebrating the day of the African child. We were taught about
the origins of the day which centred on the Soweto uprising in South Africa and also taught on the
dangers of drug and substance abuse to an African child.
“Abstaining from drug abuse has given a fresher and sane mind-set for us youths, and this is vital for
economic development,” said Ndlovu.
Drug-related crimes have been rampant in Zimbabwe and the country in danger of both consuming
and being a transit point for dangerous drugs. Research has shown that young people take drugs to
as a relief to stress emanating from poverty and unemployment.
Other common drivers include peer pressure, broken families, emotional and physical abuse, and
curiosity, often resulting in addiction.
Commonly abused drugs include cannabis, crystal methamphetamine also known as mutoriro and
cocaine.
The drug scourge has been blamed on factors such as youth exposure to technological gadgets, weak
policing, and an increase in child-headed households due to parent migration, neglect or death.
“We have been taught about the dangers of drug abuse in our community and on the economy as a
whole,” said Nokuthula Bhebhe, a Hwange youth.
The Methodist has taken advantage of Africa Day and taught the youths about drug abuse.
Meanwhile, yearly June 16 marks the International Day of the African Child commemorates those
killed during the Soweto Uprising in South Africa. The day also raises awareness of the ongoing need
to improve education for children in Africa.
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