In response to the escalating issue of alcohol and drug abuse among the youth in Maun, a new initiative has been launched aimed at curbing this detrimental trend. Dubbed the anti-alcohol and Drug Abuse Club, the initiative is a community-driven effort
“The inspiration came from the high prevalence of alcohol and drug use among young children in Maun,” explains Bokang Mogapi, a representative of the club. “We saw how it could derail them from becoming future leaders, and we wanted to make a difference.”
The club’s mission is clear: to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to make healthy and informed decisions regarding alcohol and drug use. With a vision to create a school community where students are well-equipped to resist these pressures, the club aspires to foster a future where young people thrive in a healthy and safe environment.
Currently, the club boasts 48 members across three different schools, welcoming students aged 14 to 19 from diverse backgrounds. Activities include educational presentations, health talks, campaigns, and peer leadership workshops. Weekly sessions are hosted at the schools to provide ongoing education. “The information we disseminate is tailored to their literacy levels for easy understanding,” Mogapi adds.
Despite not having performed any campaigns yet, the club intends to incorporate workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns in the future. “We haven’t had the time to set up meetings with other organizations,” says Mogapi, “but we have partnered with drug and alcohol volunteers in clinics around Maun to offer guidance and counseling.”
One of the primary challenges faced by the club is the reluctance by students to openly discuss the social factors leading to alcohol and drug use. “Other social factors are beyond us,” Mogapi acknowledges, “but we try to equip them with skills and knowledge to avoid using substances as a resolution mechanism.”
The community has welcomed the club’s efforts to tackle the pressing issue of alcohol and drug use among children in Maun. “Any additional support, whether financial or human resources, would be greatly appreciated to further our cause,” Mogapi states. The club has already secured financial sponsorship from Agora Architectures, which has been a significant boost to their initial efforts but still
Looking ahead, the club plans to continue its impactful work with the youth of Maun at both junior and senior levels. Although no upcoming events or initiatives are currently planned, the club is eager to extend its reach and effectiveness. “We would love for this club to be present for the next years, being a cornerstone in the fight against this troubling issue,” Mogapi expresses.
His club began as an attachment project but has quickly grown into a significant intervention aimed at addressing the alcohol and drug abuse prevalence among Maun’s youth. “We are currently evaluating the club’s effectiveness and hope it will continue to be a cornerstone in the fight against this troubling issue for years to come,” Mogapi concludes.
