Fighting addiction with awareness and action
As drug addiction ravages communities, the Bethany Project steps forward with hope using workshops, seminars and awareness campaigns to combat substance abuse and protect vulnerable youth.
Speaking to AfroGazette News, Director of Bethany, Rebecca Gumbo says the Bethany Project is an organization that has been working with young people since its inception in 1995, which motivated them to conduct a recent drug and substance abuse awareness campaign in Gwamachemai and Zororai Secondary Schools to sensitize students on the dangers of drug abuse.
“We have observed a worrying increase in drug abuse among young people, impacting both males and females. Our initiative seeks to educate them on drug dangers, provide vital life skills to counter peer pressure and promote informed decision-making.”
“Mbanje, mutoriro, ganja cakes, sex-enhancing pills, cocaine, glue and other harmful substances pose a grave threat to public health, burden social welfare systems and perpetuate cycles of poverty and crime,” said Gumbo.
She noted that the campaign aligns perfectly with President Mnangagwa’s efforts to eradicate drug and substance abuse among youths and adolescents, which involves training vocal young individuals to conduct door-to-door campaigns and disseminate vital information to engage the broader community.
“We trained vocal community-identified individuals to collaborate with local clinics and health centers in Zvishavane and Mazvihwa. These ambassadors will disseminate vital information to peers and convene weekly discussions to address pressing concerns, debunk harmful myths and empower informed decision-making”, said Gumbo.
Gumbo adds, “The sporting gala held in Ward 17, Mtambi was successful since it included all Mazvihwa youths. We partnered with the Zimbabwe Republic Police to address drug abuse in communities and encouraged residents to report suspected drug peddlers – a threat to nation-building.”
She noted that the organization will intensify its efforts to create a safer society by combating drug abuse.
“Bethany Project will conduct awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars to educate people about the risks of drug abuse. We will collaborate with local leaders to create safe environments, fostering positive role models for vulnerable population especially youths and marginalized communities,” Gumbo said.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube addressed an anti-drug awareness campaign at Makusha Ground in Shurugwi, announcing that police in the Midlands province have disbanded 44 drug ‘bases’ and arrested 587 individuals for drug and substance abuse since January 2024.
