16 Apr 2024

In a proactive effort to educate and empower the youth in Maun, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) recently organised a drug and substance abuse workshop for junior and secondary school pupils.

The workshop raised awareness about the dangers of drug use and empowered pupils to make informed decisions.

Speaking about the significance of the campaign, director for public education and outreach at DEA, Mr Motshereganyi Sefanyetso highlighted the importance of empowering the youth to report issues of drug and substance abuse.

“We are trying to sensitise pupils to be agents of change in these trying times in order to resist the use of drugs as well as act against them as they are a destruction to all our lives,” he said.

A representative from the Drug Enforcement Agency, Captain Morina Mlazie emphasised the importance of early intervention and education in shaping positive behaviour and attitude against drugs.

“In light of the mindset change campaign that was launched by the President, there is need to work collaboratively with the youth and get solutions from the very people who deal with drugs and substances on a daily basis so as to combat this war of drug abuse in our country,” she said.

Another representative from DEA, Ms Lorraine Modisa encouraged pupils to open up and talk about drug abuse as that would open up a conversation that would lead to permanent solutions to the problem.

“By reaching out to pupils, DEA aims to create a supportive and empowering environment that encourages pupils to make healthy choices and resist the allure of drugs,” she said.

During discussions, pupils pleaded with the agency to first deal with their parents and to equip them with strategies on how to discuss issues of drug and substance abuse with their children since prevention was better than cure. Ends