Drug abuse among young people is becoming a serious concern for parents and learning institutions. Children are experimenting today with practically anything they can lay their hands on that can put them on a "high", not realising the danger they put themselves in.
On Wednesday, 26 April, a Grade 8 learner from Tshiawelo Secondary School in Vleifontein collapsed twice during class from drug abuse. The said learner apparently showed unusual behaviour, including heightened alertness and energy levels, which prompted two of the schoolteachers to take immediate action. The learner was taken to the Vleifontein Clinic and subsequently referred to Elim Hospital, where he was confirmed to have smoked crystal methamphetamine.
Tshiawelo Secondary School is said to have a serious problem with learners going to school while under the influence of drugs, such as dagga.
Following this latest incident, Thusa Lushaka Paralegal and Advice, a non-profit organisation (NPO) that deals with substance abuse, bullying and gender-based violence, organised an anti-drug abuse campaign at Tshiawelo Secondary on Tuesday, 2 May.
The NPO, along with police members from the Bandelierkop Police Station, gathered the learners and informed them about the dangers of drug use. They emphasized how substance abuse can ruin a person's life completely. Learners were instructed never to go to school with drugs, or be under the influence of drugs, as this may lead to suspension.
Mr Rendani Ramagoma, executive director of the NPO, said they had seen a need to have a campaign to educate learners and residents to promote zero tolerance of substance abuse. "The way forward is a collaborative effort by the community and school stakeholders, who must engage the police and pastor's forums to deal with this matter. We cannot allow our schools to be turned into drug zones," he said.
The deputy chairperson of Tshiawelo's school governing body, Mr Muntu Zozo, admitted that they were facing problems with drug dealers who supply drugs to the learners. "We suggest that the police visit our school regularly and deal with the suppliers. It scared us when this learner first collapsed, then collapsed again two days later," said Zozo.
Sergeant Tshifhiwa Radzilani, spokesperson for the police in Makhado, said that the campaign was also intended to address the consequences of having a criminal record. "We are warning children that, if they continue to use drugs, we will catch them and bring them to book, and this will have a negative impact on their future," she said.