Community and Leadership Unite in Kanana to Address Youth Substance Abuse

 Organised by the office of the Executive Mayor of Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Cllr Nikiwe Num, in partnership with SANAC Civil Society, the Office of the Premier, and local NPOs and NGOs, the Drug Game Changer Substance Reduction Workshop sought to develop actionable solutions to curb addiction and strengthen community resilience.

During the sessions, parents, young people, community leaders, and diverse stakeholders examined the root causes driving substance use in the area. Participants highlighted a complex set of socio-economic factors contributing to the crisis, including high rates of unemployment, widespread poverty, strong peer pressure, environmental influences, and a distinct lack of extracurricular activities for young people. Attendees also addressed internal family dynamics, raising concerns that some parents inadvertently facilitate drug use by providing money without tracking its destination, underscoring the urgent need for responsible parenting and active family involvement.

The deliberations focused on a balanced strategy resting on three primary pillars: supply reduction, demand reduction, and harm reduction. Dialogue throughout the event stressed that relying solely on law enforcement interventions is insufficient to address the scale of the issue. Instead, community members and leaders agreed that a comprehensive framework must simultaneously restrict the influx of illegal substances, prevent initial drug use through youth engagement and education, and deliver structured support and rehabilitation services for individuals already living with addiction.

Operating under the banner "Stop the Supply, Say No to Drugs," the workshop closed with a clear call for multi-sectoral cooperation. Stakeholders emphasized that lasting safety and community health require a continuous, unified commitment connecting households, government structures, law enforcement agencies, and local civic groups.

#Kanana #SubstanceAbuseAwareness #DrKennethKaunda #CommunityFirst 

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