"Using Arts as a Therapy and Education Tool to Combat Substance Abuse"
By MKHOKHELI ZIBENGWA
In a bold effort to combat the growing concern of drug and substance abuse amongst the youth and children in Pumula, Vutha Buciko beAfrica has organized a thought-provoking event centered around the theme "D.E.A.D" - Drugs Ends All Dreams.
The event is scheduled for August 31, 2024, from 12 PM to 5 PM, at Pumula Old Bus Terminus.
According to Lucky Ncube, Organization Director of Vutha Buciko beAfrica, the goal of the event is to "allow speakers and experts to explain how best we can change the situation through arts."
By targeting all people from different spheres of life, including the young, youth, and old, the event seeks to engage the community in a vital conversation about the consequences of drug abuse.
The issue of drug abuse is particularly prevalent in Pumula, which has become a hub for drug trafficking and substance abuse. Many youths, despite being talented in various fields, have fallen victim to the economic situation of the country, leading to a rise in child-headed families, sudden deaths, and community violence.
The event organizers believe that by harnessing the power of arts, they can educate and entertain the community while also encouraging them to take action against drug abuse.
In partnership with the Pumula community, the event features guest speakers from the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwean Youth Council, and the Ministry of Youth, among others.
The event will showcase a talented lineup of performers, including poets, musicians, dancers, and comedians, who will use their talents to convey the message that arts can make a difference in society.
The ultimate goal of the event is to reduce the use and explicit selling of drugs in the community, empowering youths to start self-help projects while promoting a violence-free community with respect, unity, and collaboration. The organizers envision a future where drug abuse is eradicated, and the "D.E.A.D" event is a crucial step toward achieving this vision.
What's remarkable about this event is the active involvement of the youth and children, who are not only the most affected by drug abuse but also the frontlines of this project. Vutha Buciko beAfrica has a total of 35 members, with 16 junior members and 12 senior members, working together to make this event a success.
As this is a pilot project, the organizers will measure its success based on community turnout and engagement on the day of the event. They believe that the willingness of the community to voluntarily share their stories is vital to the project's success.
In conclusion, the "D.E.A.D" event is a powerful call to action against drug abuse in Pumula, and Vutha Buciko beAfrica's initiative is a beacon of hope for a brighter future for the community. As Lucky Ncube aptly puts it, "We are in this fight together because everyone of us is either affected or infected."
