News

In a proactive effort to address the growing challenge of alcohol and substance abuse in Ramotswa, Level 300 students from the University of Botswana (UB) School of Nursing partnered with the District Health Management Team (DHMT) to conduct a community awareness initiative. The outreach programme, held in the Ramotswa Main Kgotka, stemmed from findings during health education outreach that highlighted the troubling prevalence of substance abuse particularly among young people.

Speaking at the awareness event, Kgosi of Balete, Kgosi Mosadi Seboko, commended the students for their impactful initiative. She remarked that their efforts would leave a lasting footprint in the fight against alcohol and substance abuse in the village. Kgosi Seboko urged the community to embrace the students’ vision by actively participating in nurturing and guiding their children from home. She emphasised that home grooming should complement the work of teachers and community leaders in curbing societal challenges.

Representing the students, Ms Ofimile Dingalo explained that their school subject on community health outreach was the catalyst for the initiative. The programme revealed the widespread nature of alcohol and substance abuse in Ramotswa, prompting the group to collaborate with various stakeholders to organise the awareness campaign. She added that the students would be unveiling an informational placard at Siga Clinic where they were based to continue educating the community on the dangers of substance abuse.

Sergeant Patrick Beng from Ramotswa Police Station expressed strong support for the campaign, highlighting its relevance to the daily challenges faced by the Police. He noted that alcohol and substance abuse were significant contributors to criminal activities such as gender-based violence (GBV), theft and suicide.

 The event culminated with a sponsored walk from Ramotswa Main Kgotla to Siga Clinic where the informational plague card was unveiled.