Botswana: The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is hosting a national Anti-Drug Campaign in Maun. The event is targeting schools, parents and the community. The Drug Enforcement Agency is operating under the Ministry of Defence and Security.
Several schools in the Maun district participated in build-up activities in the Anti-Drug Campaign of the DEA. The activities includes capacitation of guidance and counselling teachers, Parents Teacher Associations, presentation by students and workshops for School Representative Council members.
The aim of the event is to include the stakeholders of the Maun community in the fight against abuse of drugs and substances. The experts have seen an increase in drug and substance learners and the community of Maun in the recent months.
The stakeholders of the district have expressed their delight with the organizing authorities for the initiative. North West Regional Operations Director Veronicah Mochotlhi addressed the gathering at the anti-drug campaign.
She claimed that stated that Botswana as a developing country, is experiencing a lot of issues surrounding the use and abuse of drugs and illicit substances. The problem is especially significant amongst the learners of the country.
The reason for these issues can be attributed to a number of aspects, including peer pressure and need of fitting in among friends. Hence it was extremely important for the Ministry of Education and Skills Development to join DEA in combatting the issue.
It is the duty of the Botswanan authorities to assist the people in dealing with the issue. The same sentiment is also featured in the Setswana saying “Pilediwa e a by lwelwa.”
The authorities have revealed that there is prominence of Drug and use of illicit substances in the North West. According to the experts, the abuse is prevalent among young people including learners of all levels.
Accordingly, the experts asked parents who took part in discussions to take action on the issue as early as primary school level. The officials argue that it may help groom a child at a tender age.
The event featured engagements among the present guests, The learners from various schools shared their opinions, challenges and vowed to further spread messages that would help their peers.
They stated that they would help their friends who are already hooked on drugs and usage of substance. The students acknowledged that their peers’ lives may be destroyed due to their habits.