MILLICENT HUNGWE
MASVINGO-In the scorching heat of the Zimbabwean sun, four youths from Heal Us Zimbabwe have embarked on a drug and substance abuse awareness campaign from Beitbridge to Harare.
Three of them are former drug addicts.
Terence Shenje (21), Kudakwashe Mafuta (42), Columbus Mashore, and Terence Mpofu walked over 300 kilometers, resting every 25 kilometers along the way.
In Masvingo, they were welcomed as heroes by the deputy director of infrastructure planning and development, Irvine Kanehutsinye, who was representing the Minister of State Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira at the Civic Centre.
Their message resonated with the government mantra of curbing the drugs and substance abuse.
The quartet’s journey was funded by Ultra-Med Healthcare.
Mpofu, who is not a former addict, joined the others as his younger brother had severely suffered from drug abuse, which motivated him to be part of this impactful journey.
According to Shenje, he started taking drugs when he was in Form 1 at Churchill High School, but the experience of his uncle’s struggle with drug abuse compelled him to quit.
As they walked, the four shared their personal testimonies with communities along the way, inspiring others to seek help and overcome addiction.
The four friends acknowledged the devastating impact of drug abuse on the youth, including the deaths of children at a tender age and the loss of productive time spent on addictive illegal substances.
The four friends started a movement, inspiring others to join the fight against drug abuse. Their walk became a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to recovery and a brighter future for them and others.
Fastep company, donated US$50 worth of test kits to support their cause.
Speaking in an interview, Heal Us Zimbabwe director of projects and communication, Elton Ziki, emphasized that society should not stigmatize those affected by drug abuse, but rather connect them with the appropriate authorities to help them overcome their addictions.
Ziki stated that the organization is engaging with “the government to build more rehabilitation centers, as the country is heavily impacted by the drug abuse issue.
Through their journey, the four have proven that working together, the country can overcome the darkest struggles, and that with determination and support, people can build a society free from the grip of drug abuse.
