03 Jul 2014

The use of drugs in schools needs involvement of all stakeholders to fight the scourge.

Speaking at a Kgotla meeting in Maun on Monday, June 28 the Assistant Minister of Education, Mr Keletso Rakhudu said the use of strong drugs was rampant especially at both junior and senior secondary schools.

Drugs in schools, he said, were the second pandemic affecting Botswana after HIV/AIDS, therefore churches, civil societies, politicians and all stakeholders should come together to address the situation before it gets out of hand.

Mr Rakhudu said drugs were a silent killer because their use was discreet among children while parents and officials were not aware, adding that strong drugs like Ecstasy, cocaine which came in powder form, injections and tablets were common.

“The drugs are very addictive, students cannot live without taking them, they destroy their minds and the children can do anything when under the influence,” he said.

Mr Rakhudu said drugs made children to be bold which is what led to students from across the country to get involved in acts of Satanism which has been reported at Maun senior secondary school and Mogoditshane senior secondary school.

“That is why they have joined Satanism and stopped believing in God, doing horrible things which are opposite of the good that is preached at churches,” he said.

Mr Rakhudu said Satanism was not in Maun schools only but around the country therefore, he said he intended to take the issue to parliament and address it in kgotla meetings.

He said as MoESD they would do everything to ensure that the schools were not market places for drugs since it was believed that some students were used to trade drugs as well as some teachers and vendors who sell around the vicinity of schools.

Mr Rakhudu implored parents to be vigilant, to know their children so as to recognise suspicious behavior related to drugs.

He said drugs influence behavior change in students as some display acts of bravery and boldness whereas others showed signs of withdrawal.

Batawana Chief Representative, Kgosi Charles Letsholathebe complained about the unacceptable behavior of students in Maun who are said to have joined Satanism which contributed to them performing poorly in their studies. ENDS