03 Oct 2016

An official with Women Against Rape (WAR), Ms Margaret Morris has underscored the need for an institution designatedto address delinquency in the Ngamiland region.
She said many young people were engaged in drugs and alcohol abuse, as well as relationships which need to be addressed at a professional level.
An interview with BOPA, Ms Morris said drug and alcohol abuse were rife especially at junior secondary schools in the region.
She said Women Against Rape helped in counselling young people.
“Some do get out of the situation. However those who are addicted and needs therapy we refer them to organisations such as BOSASNET (Botswana Substance Abuse Support Network.)
She noted that counselling was not enough therefore there was need for pediatric psychologists to help address such.
Pediatric psychology is a multidisciplinary field of both scientific research and clinical practice which attempts to address the psychological aspects of illness, injury, and the promotion of health behaviors in children, adolescents, and families.
Ms Morris said the young people gang up and influence one another .
“They know what they are doing is wrong. However they enjoy peer pressure from the gang.”
The effects of drug abuse on children, she said, extended to their homes as some end up abusing their parents. She noted that some started drug abuse as early as primary school level while keeping it a secret from their parents.
There is need for a special care of these children, only a few places such as Bana Ba Le Tsatsi in existence in Maun which deals with delinquents but is not equipped enough, she said.
She pointed out the delinquents end up suffering from a rare condition termed Drug Abuse Obsessive Compulsive Disorder which compels them to be dependent on drugs.
Adolescent stage, she said was a prime time for intuition therefore even those who are innocent end up experiencing with alcohol and drugs to belong to the gangs.
Ms Morris said Maun has totally changed with trends that were common in the cities now associated with young people in Maun such as sex parties.
However, she said there was need for parental involvement and home restructuring.
She noted that it was not enough to correct children whereas leaving the parents behind.
Ms Morris said some of the delinquents are vulnerable children who came from broken homes therefore need for a forum for parents as well. ENDS