Clive Thabo Dube
Youth Advocacy for Reform and Democracy (YARD), a none nongovernmental organization fronted by controversial Norton legislator Temba Mliswa recently held an anti- drug and substance awareness campaign at Bulawayo’s Raylton Recreational Club.
The campaign is part of a national wide series of rallies that bring together youths with music and arts being also used to spread the messages against drugs such as Guka, Mutoriro and crystal meth.
These drugs are now commonly used by unemployed so called “Ghetto Youths/Ama2K.”
“Our Youths have a lot of time in their hands which has led them to lose themselves to substance abuse.” said Terry Willis Janyure, the YARD national commander for recruitment and mobilization.
Janyure further added that in their campaigns they go in the accompany of drug abuse survivors inorder for them to share their life experiences
Approximately 60% patients at Ingutsheni mental institute in Bulawayo are not suffering from mental ills but drug addiction.
“As YARD, we are very active in SAYING NO TO VIOLENCE AND DRUG ABUSE. Right now if go to hospitals, you will find 18, 20, 25 year old’s battling drug addiction and children are dying everyday. So this is what we are trying to conscientious to the young generation,” stated Janyure.
YARD founder Temba Mliswa says through the initiative’s Facebook page that it seeks to reinforce the original idea behind the creation of student pressure groups and shift away from politicized student organizations prevalent today. It is focused on the needs and wants of the student. YARD seeks to support and encourage youth participation in legislation and electoral process.
He also added that Zimbabweans should stand up against all odds for the sake of the young people and leave a legacy for the young people.