News

As part of their Community and School Health Project, a group of 14 third-year University of Botswana (UB) School of Nursing students spearheaded an Anti-Drug Awareness Day at Taung Junior Secondary School, championing the theme “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life.” The initiative targeted the growing concern of drug and substance abuse among the youth in the Taung community.

Welcoming the students, Taung Junior Secondary School Head, Ms Kealeboga Thipe, commended the project, describing it as timely and crucial. She noted that research had shown an alarming rise in drug use among young people, often driven by peer pressure and the search for social acceptance. Ms Thipe expressed deep appreciation to the UB students for their commitment to addressing one of the community’s most pressing health challenges.

Presenting the objectives of the Community Health-Based Project, third-year nursing student, Ms Naomi Modubane, explained that their mandate was to identify key health issues within the community and school and develop practical interventions. “Through our research, we found that drug abuse has become a significant health concern among youth,” she said. “Thus, we organised the Anti-Drug Day and erected a billboard within the school to serve as a daily reminder: ‘Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life.’” Ms Modubane emphasised that the project aimed not only at raising awareness but also to propose sustainable preventative measures.

Guest speaker, Mr Green Thabiwa, a Psychiatric Nurse from Otse Clinic, warned of the dangerous link between substance abuse and the deterioration of mental health. Highlighting the vulnerability of developing brains, Mr Thabiwa urged students to avoid illicit substances to safeguard their future. “Mental health is essential to your daily functioning,” he said. “A disturbance at your age can have lifelong effects.”

Adding a peer voice to the campaign, UB nursing student, Mr Benny Letlamma, encouraged students to reject drug use and take collective responsibility for creating a drug-free environment. “It takes a community effort to raise a drug-free generation,” he said. “We must hold ourselves and each other accountable.”

The Anti-Drug Awareness Day not only informed students about the risks of substance abuse but also inspired a renewed sense of community engagement and shared responsibility in the fight against drugs.