Learners encouraged to say ‘no’ to drugs

Sanca Horizon, in collaboration with Mary Moodley Clinic, hosted a drug awareness campaign at Liverpool Secondary School on March 22.

The campaign aimed to encourage learners to say ‘no’ to substance abuse, bullying and other social issues after concerns of substance abuse at the school.

The organisations that participated included the Red Cross Benoni, the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (Denosa), the SAPS, the Ithemba Rape and Trauma Support Centre and the Department of Social Development.

Grade 11 learners Isiah Moeng (17) and Alitha Malapane (16) made the event fun and interactive as the masters of ceremonies.

The Sanca Horizon KeMoja coach, Alishariati Nkosi, told learners a drug called crystal meth was a stimulant that speeded up one’s reaction rate and resulted in an increased heart rate.

“The drug looks like a glass fragment. Once you smoke the drug, some changes happen in your body, and you experience psychotic symptoms, like insomnia, anxiety, paranoia, delusion and hallucinations,” said Nkosi.
The chairperson of Denosa in Ekurhuleni, Thandi Nkosi, encouraged learners to focus on their studies and avoid drugs.

“Make this country a beautiful place to live in without drugs. The betterment of society is in your hands.
“We want you to become future doctors and engineers so that you can relieve the pressure from the government,” said Nkosi.

Dicken Nkuna from the Department of Social Development said they are there as social workers to assist learners in coping with their school work.

He said they have three social workers based at the Actonville Library.

A dance group from the school called Azola and Her Dance Crew entertained the crowd with their moves.

Members from Wattville Art Production and the KeMoja coaches danced and recited poems about bullying at the event.

Also Read: Principal in the hot seat due to allegations of racism

Also Read: Youth in Action addresses issues affecting Etwatwa youth