Africa-Press – Botswana. Young people have been encouraged to participate in the fight against drug abuse, a scourge that inflicts significant emotional and financial toll on families in the nation.
In her welcoming address at the Youth Dialogue on Drug Use held at Moselewapula Junior Secondary School(JSS) in honor of the First Lady of Estonia, Ms Sirje Karis, First Lady Ms Neo Masisi emphasised the importance of tackling drug abuse as a crucial issue that continued to claim the lives of the youth.
She highlighted the necessity for collective action to confront this heartbreaking agony.
Ms Masisi said she initiated these youth dialogues across schools in the country to provide a platform for young individuals to share their perspectives and propose solutions in the battle against drug abuse.
She expressed her concern for the youth, acknowledging their vital role in finding solutions to end the exposure and suffering caused by drug abuse, affecting not just the children but also their families.
“Hosting this event is my expression that I care a lot about you all and I acknowledge that the problem exists and that we are all affected, in one way or the other.
The most affected are you, our children, and that is why we are inviting you, in this fight, as you are a very important part of the solution. What is key, today, is to share how we can end our children’s exposure and suffering, remembering too that the suffering does not only affect the children, but by their families too,” she added
Under the vision of Vision 2036, aiming for national prosperity, Ms Masisi emphasised the significance of youth involvement in realising this goal, aligning with the motto, ‘Nothing for us, without us.’ She commended the collaboration of Moselewapula JSS staff and parents in addressing drug use and urged them to sustain their partnership.
In her appreciation, First Lady Karis commended the students of Moselewapula for their bravery in suggesting solutions to combat drug abuse, encouraging them to stay dedicated to their aspirations despite life’s challenges.
She stressed the importance of addressing mental health openly and seeking help when needed, advising against turning to harmful activities like substance abuse.
“Mental health affects each and every one of us, regardless of age, background or circumstances. It is something that we must all talk about. It is not something that you should keep inside. Finding someone that you trust will be important throughout your lives. If you are having difficult moments, speak about it. Young people, in Botswana and Esonia, might be different in many ways, but I know that the youth, just like everyone, want to be happy and to have fun,” she added.
Ms Karis also advised mantaining a balanced lifestyle to stay mentally sharp.
In her remarks, Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Ms Nnaniki Makwinja, expressed gratitude towards First Lady Masisi for her commitment to transforming the education sector, positively influencing the youth of Botswana.
Ms Makwinja lauded First Lady Masisi’s efforts in addressing social issues such as substance abuse, gender-based violence (GBV), and bullying, ensuring safe environments within schools.
She emphasised the global challenge of substance use and its impact on academic performance, school discipline, and dropout rates.
Acknowledging the establishment of the Drug Enforcement Agency, she urged all stakeholders to safeguard the rights of children, particularly the right to education.
Ms Makwinja appreciated the collaborative efforts of government officials, community leaders, educators, and law enforcement agencies in combating drug abuse. She recognised Moselewapula JSS for their ongoing commitment to eliminating substance use within their school community, emphasising the lasting impact of their interventions on shaping the future of Botswana’s students.
“Your school based interventions will undoubtedly resonate, for years to come, with shaping the future of students at and schools in Botswana, in general,” she added.
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