East centre ‘sets learners on right path’

Learners from primary and high schools in Mamelodi have been warned to be aware of the many dangers of taking drugs, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, GBV and bullying.

This took place during a school awareness programme called #DrugMustFallMovement organised by the Thandanani Drop Inn Centre, which entailed visiting different schools in Mamelodi from the beginning of the year.

On Tuesday, they visited Grade 10 learners at Stanza Bopape high school in Mamelodi east to raise awareness. They were accompanied by officials from the Department of Correctional Services, social workers and the 4+1 taxi association.

Kate Kekana from Thandanani Drop Inn Centre said the #Drugmustfallmovement is a programme for schools to guide learners on the right path.

She said early intervention was the best way to fight drugs, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, GBV and bullying.

Prevention was better than cure because the issue of drugs was never-ending, but with programmes involving visiting school, they had managed to save more than five learners.

“At most of the schools we have visited the school principal invited us because they have noticed strange behaviour by learners or suspect that they were using drugs at the school,” said Kekana.

The Department of Correctional Services talked to the learners about crime and where it led them and social workers talked about the issues of gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, drugs and bullying.

The talks and debates with learners were friendly and focused on prevention.

Anti-drug abuse ambassador Peter Mamahlodi said they talked to learners about addictions and other risky behaviours.

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He said the programme also offered counselling with the assistance of social workers “and we refer addicted learners to rehab centres for professional help”.

Mamahlodi talked to the learners about different types of drugs and how drug addicts behave after taking them.

He warned the learners about crystal meth, a drug that has taken over the streets of Mamelodi.

“There are many ways that can lead to drugs and substance abuse. Peer pressure, a fancy lifestyle, cigarettes and hubbly bubbly,” said Mamahlodi.

He pleaded with the learners to first look at how they were living and then look at the person taking drugs.

Thandanani Drop Inn Centre is a non-profit organisation that believes in early intervention, prevention and awareness to keep the youth and children of Mamelodi busy and away from drugs and crime.

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