MIDWEEK WATCH REPORTER
BIKITA:High school pupils from five schools in rural Bikita District recently benefited from a drug and substance abuse awareness programme that was conducted by a local non-governmental organization, Masvingo Root of Development Organisation (MaRODO)
MaRODO took the opportunity of a ward 4 zonal athletic schools competition which was being held at Mazungunye High School to stage an awareness campaign on drug and substance abuse’s effects on educational and athletic performance by pupils.
The schools in attendance were Mazungunye, Tagona, Simbarevanhu, Fambidzanai, and Marirangwe high schools.
Acknowledge Mawere, the director of MaRODO, addressed the students and gave his personal experience with drugs and substance abuse during his time in high school which nearly affected his career.
He encouraged the students to stay away from drugs and substances, as they can harm both physical and mental health adding that the drug scourge has not spared the rural youths.
“While rural areas are often neglected in drug awareness campaigns due to the misconception that drugs are not widely available, young people in the local area are often involved in the use of illicit substances such as ‘tumbwa’ (a locally made beer), marijuana, glue, bronclear and others.
“The prevalence of drug use among the students calls for additional attention and investment in drug awareness initiatives. It is clear that there is a need to dispel the myth that drugs are not available in rural areas and to provide resources to help young people make healthy choices.” he said
MaRODO is a youth led organisation majoring in civic education and participation, it creates, facilitates and implements outcome based solutions faced by youths in the province.
Since its formation the organisation has managed to engage various youths, through social media and other platforms tackling mental issues affecting youths as well as finding solutions to their problems.
