Peer pressure to fight drug abuse
Shaun Benton
20 July 2005
A campaign against substance abuse in high schools and communities in the Helderberg area of the Western Cape, launched in Cape Town, is to train young people to take the message against drugs to their peers.
The launch brought 650 students from 10 high schools together for a seminar on drug abuse. The campaign is supported by the provincial Department of Social Development, the Government Communications and Information System (GCIS), Helderberg libraries and the Drug Free Helderberg volunteer group.
Albie Knox, the Cape Town city councillor responsible for the Helderberg area, told the students gathered at Strand Town Hall that the campaign aims to help people "achieve a progressive and responsible society" by addressing social problems.
Gert Bam, director of Social Development for the City of Cape Town, said the Get Real Drug-Free project aimed to produce youth leaders to carry out anti-drug campaigns in their areas.
The aim is to
train high school students to lead anti-drug campaigns themselves. A message from youngsters to other youngsters is more effective than a message delivered by adults, Bam said.
Youth leaders will work with local librarians and community development workers to increase awareness of the dangers of drug use, and work on solutions.
According to Louis Botha of the provincial GCIS office, the Western Cape government is using a three-pronged approach to fight drug abuse, which is widespread in the province and - in addition to its toll on human lives - a serious obstacle to development.
The strategy against drugs focuses on tackling drug supply, reducing demand through awareness and education, and improving access to rehabilitation facilities.
The Drug Free Helderberg volunteer group promotes a holistic and drug-free lifestyle among the youth and trains young people, teachers and monitors to deal with drug-related problems.
Source: Bua News
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