mbulelo smpofu
Faith Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) Dombodema region, recently organised a youth camp at Nguwanyana Primary School in Mangwe District, emphasising the importance of holistic development through faith, education, and wellness.
The drug and substance abuse campaign took centre stage, enlightening young minds about the devastating consequences of addiction.
In conjunction with evangelism, mental health and self-care awareness initiatives, the campaign underscored the intricate relationships between substance abuse, spiritual growth and mental well-being.
Speaking during the campaign, the youth advisor, Mrs Tamilika Ncube, noted that drug and substance abuse poses significant risks to individuals leading to severe physical and mental health consequences, which might include organ damage, respiratory issues, increased risk of infections and mental health disorders.
“Drug and substance abuse can have destructive social and economic consequences, leading to addiction and dependence, financial problems, loss of employment or educational opportunities and increased risks of crime and legal issues,” she noted.
Mrs Ncube encouraged the youth to seek help when struggling with stress or emotions and encouraged open conversations about substance abuse.
“Prevention is key in addressing drug and substance abuse, making informed choices and seeking support can prevent abuse. This can be achieved by educating oneself about substance abuse risks, building health coping mechanisms and surrounding oneself with positive influences,” she said.
UCCSA Reverend Mathius Moyo, who is responsible for Dombodema region, emphasised that the church is a school, a home for the homeless and a correctional service centre.
“We don’t encourage drunkenness or any form of drugs, we say no to these, the body of a believer is a temple of God and has to be kept clean or holy.1 Corinthians 6 vs 19 to 20 says you belong to God so avoid that which will distort or damage your character. We discourage any form of drugs the world must learn from the church not the church from the world,” Rev Moyo said.
“We teach obedience and love for God and self. Cleanliness is next to godliness, we encourage purity. It is the role of the church to protect and guide the community and speak up when the community is missing the point.”
Rev Moyo highlighted that they have time for Bible studies, to attend to life questions and challenges and the role of elders to groom the young.
“The church acts as a family, as we find love, counselling and encouragement, we train health champions to deal with stress, we teach abstinence, the church is the heart of a healthy community. Our youth are the future, our pride and we can do anything to save them and the future is in our children not in us. Saving our young generation is saving the future from collapsing and we say no to drugs, high is temporary but the consequences are long-lasting,” he said.
Chairperson for Congregational Youth Fellowship, Ms Awande Nomagugu said Nguwanyana village like many other areas is experiencing a high prevalence of drug and substance abuse among the youth.
“The community has seen a loss of the future of their youths due to drugs and substance abuse. Most youths have lost their social fabric due to this excessive use. This campaign was initiated after noticing how the youth within the community due to drugs and substance abuse fail to take care of their mental health,” she said.
