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Drive To Tackle Drug Abuse30 July, 2008 Story By Derrick Dlamini The City’s Rural Area-Based Management (ABM) team has launched a campaign to raise awareness among school children of the dangers of drug abuse and, in the process, reduce road accidents. The Safer Schools initiative got underway at Mcothoyi Secondary School, south of Durban recently, and it has the support of the eThekwini Transport Authority, Metro Police, SAPS, the Kwa Zulu-Natal Department of Transport, the Department of Social Welfare, and Community Policing, including Safer Cities. Martin Xaba, Rural ABM’s Policing and Safety Adviser said the campaign targeted Grade 8 pupils at schools where drug abuse and road accidents were prevalent. The initiative uses drama to teach youngsters the right way to go about crossing the road safely. Broader, social issues such as teenage pregnancy, HIV/ Aids and substance abuse are also tackled. Police and Department of Social Welfare officials give motivational talks on substance abuse, child abuse, and bullying. Young people are encouraged to become involved in crime prevention initiatives, said Xaba. “We are trying to restore a culture of learning and to ensure a drug-free and safe environment,” he said. The initiative, which recently coincided with an International Youth Crime and Cities Summit, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, is expected to run in the Rural ABM’s three regions– south, north and outer west. Schools with drug abuse and road safety problems would be visited. Xaba said the campaign was proving fruitful. “We have received a positive response from police stations in areas where the project has been implemented. They have indicated that reported incidents have declined.” Posters packed with information on road safety, drug abuse and contact numbers, are also being distributed as part of the programme. |
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