17 Nov 2014

Alcohol and substance abuse remain a challenge particularly amongst the youth including pupils.

Speaking at the first annual alcohol and substance abuse symposium, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Mr Richard Matlhare said Batswana and most importantly the youth were at risk of being exposed to dependency creating substances that lead to unhealthy lifestyles.

He said some of the dire consequences of using drugs and alcohol were social ills such as rape, road accidents, unwanted pregnancies, family conflicts, poor health, crime, deteriorating moral standards and HIV/AIDS.

“We see our present and future leaders being destroyed or destructed by substance abuse creating hindrance to human and health development. These and many other reasons, call for concerted and urgent efforts to address the challenges brought about by alcohol, tobacco and other drugs,” said Mr Matlhare.

In an effort to address these concerns, Remmogo Organisation established a platform for the youth where individuals and groups worked together, learning from each other in improving the quality of life in their communities.

This had been achieved through education, prevention and enforcement formulas to form one voice in addressing issues relating to alcohol and other substance abuse.

Mr Matlhare thus implored the society to have a meaningful contribution to the fight against alcohol and substance abuse while he commended Remmogo Organisation for putting together the Alcohol and Substance abuse Symposium. ENDS