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Chitungwiza Correspondent
As the fight against drug use among teenagers is being intensified in Chitungwiza’s communities, Teen Rescue Mission (TRM), a youth organisation has organised a soccer tournament slated for August 1 to spread awareness, Nhau/Indaba has established.
Dubbed ‘No to early pregnancy and no to drugs and substance abuse’, the tournament will be held in Besa village, Ziko Chitungwiza just a few days before schools close.
About 10 schools are expected to take part.
TRM Communications Officer Major Chitombe told Nhau/Indaba that the football fiesta was motivated by the need to urge teenagers to keep off drugs and substances as well as abstain from early sexual activities that might result in early pregnancies during the holiday break.
“We realised that our young people’s (teenagers) lives were being affected by some activities they engage in during school holidays whereby some are led astray and end up destroying their future prospects after being influenced by wrong peers. When schools close they intend to engage in different social activities that lead them to sex and booze parties, and abuse of drugs.”
He said that TRM saw it necessary to use the tournament to educate them and spread this awareness as records show that a high percentage of young people start experimenting with drugs and engaging in sexual activities during these breaks at most.
“You find that when schools re-open some teenage girls end up failing to return to school as a result of early marriages orchestrated by these encounters. As an organisation, we felt that the young people should go for their holidays equipped with this knowledge as these activities can destroy their lives. We remain optimistic the tournament will be of a huge impact on this cause.”
“The drive is to try and win our children back into protecting themselves and continue with their education without any disturbances. On the day we will have music and various other activities as we stand to make sure the message on no to drugs and early pregnancy is heard among the young people,” Chirombe said.
He said so far seven primary schools have registered to participate in the tournament and more were expected to turn out.
TRM has partnered with Image Magic Cooperate which is funding the tournament which will see the winner walking away with a trophy. Nhau/Indaba
