Primary school learners in Mamelodi warned about drug abuse
The school outreach programme is ongoing, but this time our focus was on the primary level, because this is where everything starts.
Thandanani drop-in centre together with Mamelodi stakeholders continues to deliver an important message about the dangers of drugs and substance abuse.
On Tuesday, they visited Bula Dikgoro Primary School with their outreach programme and also discussed bullying, teen pregnancy and gangsterism.
Kate Kekana of the centre said this would be an ongoing programme and they focused on the primary school level because it was where everything started.
She said the aim was to dissuade learners from taking drugs and drinking alcohol.
“We have different speakers to discuss the different ills with the learners. Our target is all the schools in Mamelodi and Nellmapius,” said Kekana.
She said the prevention message focused on early intervention, awareness, counselling and the referral of addicts to rehab centres.
“One of our outreach programmes we have just introduced to the learners was the issue of LGBTQIA plus.
“We realised a lot of children are at a stage where they show signs of their sexuality.
“It is very important to now and then share messages around the gay community,” she said.
Kekana said it was important for children to know that it’s okay to be what they want to be without being worried about discrimination.
Anti-drug abuse ambassador, Peter Mamahlodi talked to the learners about addiction and other risky behaviours and encouraged them to love themselves enough to never do drugs and to help addicted friends.
He said the programme also offered counselling by social workers. “We refer addicted learners to rehab centres for professional help.”
Mamahlodi talked about different types of drugs and how addicts behaved.
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 the lifestyle of someone taking drugs.
Kekana further said the centre, working with other stakeholders in Mamelodi, had anti-substance and drug abuse programmes that took in walk-in clients between 10:00 and 12:00, Mondays to Fridays.
The 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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