Eye of the Child has started a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of drug and substance abuse among students in secondary school.
On Monday, the organisation conducted an awareness campaign at Good Hope Secondary School in Blantyre.
Speaking in an interview, Eye of the Child executive director Wathu Ntandika said abusing alcohol and drugs can lead to sexual abuse, unplanned pregnancies, accidents, mental health problems and academic challenges.
prevention. | Macmillan Mhone
She said the campaign is targeting students aged between 12 and 18 years because it is the age group that is pressured into using drugs and substances.
“We are focusing on prevention because in Malawi it is hard for children who are addicted to drugs to access rehabilitation since many facilities are privately owned and are expensive,” said Ntandika.
One of the students, Gaireen Kalunga, said they understand that drug use could lead to mental health challenges.
“The counselling we have received will help me to remain firm in my resolve not to use drugs as they can destroy my future,” he said.
Eye of the Child is targeting 100 secondary schools in Blantyre, Lilongwe, Zomba and Mzuzu cities with messages against drug and substance abuse.
The organisation expects that the campaign, conducted under the theme ‘Breaking the cycle of drug abuse’ will reduce the number of children abusing drugs and substances.
Besides drug abuse, Eye of the Child also undertakes initiatives to tackle exploitation and trafficking in persons and to promote children’s well-being.
