Taking A Stand Against Addiction, Zimbabwe’s Non-Governmental Organisation Combats Drug Abuse
The Community marching in the streets of Harare
By Chimeno Azriel
In a show of solidarity and determination, Zimbabwe’s Non-Governmental Organisation Green Light International Trust (GLIT) and other organisations recently took to the streets of Harare to march against the scourge of drug and substance abuse. This powerful display of community activism highlighted the urgent need for collective action against addiction, which affects countless lives and undermines national developments..
With the devastating consequences of drug and substance abuse affecting countless lives, Green Light International Trust ( GLIT ) took to the streets of Harare last Saturday to sound the alarm and mobilise change. The team marched from Robert Mugabe Square to Harare Gardens.
Running under the theme ‘Recreational Economic Growth and Empowerment Against Drug and Substance Abuse’, the organisation brought together community members, leaders, and advocates united in their determination to combat the growing epidemic.
Green Light International Trust’s march was to raise awareness about the dangers of drug and substance abuse, particularly among youth and vulnerable populations and participants as expected sang, wore symbolic ribbons, and shared personal stories, highlighting the urgent need for collective action.
During the speech read by the Founder and Director of GLIT Mr Tawanda Makwiramiti , he said the march sought to develop platforms to focus on early interventions, raise awareness in order to prevent the problem of drug and substance abuse.
“This march seeks to develop platforms to focus on early intervention, raise awareness’s against drug and substance abuse in Communities, schools and workplaces and to help each other on how to detect symptoms of drug and substance abuse and refer such cases to the professionals ” said Makwiramiti
The Director said people should be the change that helps end addiction and should support families and communities affected by drug abuse. He urged the Zimbabweans from all over the corners of Zimbabwe to come and hear from inspiring guest speakers and enjoy live performances.
In his speech, Mr Makwiramiti said there was need for the Zimbabwe Government to tighten Law enforcement against the drug peddlers who stay within the Communities and he urged the Zimbabwe Republic Police not to let the Society down by accepting bribes from the drug lords. He noted that drug and substance abuse was a cause of concern in Country with young, old and some law enforcement agents being involved.
Guest of Honour Harare Deputy Mayor , Her Worship Councillor Rosemary Muronda said there was urgent need for collective action to fight against drug and substance abuse in our Country and the involvement of youths, churches and organizations in the .arch was a true testimony of togetherness.
“The march served as a powerful platform for raising awareness about the dangers of drug and GLIT effectively highlighted the urgent need for collective action against this growing problem and with the visible presence of participants, including youth from different churches and students from UZ underscored the community’s commitment to tackling drug-related issues together.” said Her Worship
In an interview on the sidelines of the event, Deputy Mayor Muronda noted that the event emphasided the importance of advocating for stronger policies and support systems to combat drug abuse and by having engagements with local authorities and stakeholders during such events, can lead to meaningful discussions about implementing effective prevention and rehabilitation programs. She pointed out that these grassroots approach was crucial in ensuring that the voices of those affected by drug abuse are heard and considered in policy-making.
“the march was not just a demonstration; it was a call to action for the entire community to unite against drug and substance abuse through raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and promoting healthier lifestyles.” continued Councillor Rose
Green Light International Trust strives to help underprivileged members of the Society and to date they have donated over 3000 mobility devices and during the march, they donated white cans to visually impared and a wheelchair.
The harmful substances are affecting over a number of individuals in the Country , with the number increasing in reported cases over the years. The consequences are far-reaching, from strained healthcare systems to shattered families and lost lives.
Drug and substance abuse, also known as Substance Use Disorder (SUD), refers to the harmful or hazardous use of substances despite negative consequences. Some of the substances include illicit drugs like, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, Cannabis (marijuana).
Among the stakeholders who attended the awareness march were the law enforcement department Zimbabwe Republic Police ( ZRP), Criminal Investigation Department ( CID) drugs City of Harare, Midlands State University ( MSU), Ministry of Health and Child Care, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education among other Government officials
Green Light International Trust (GLIT) is a Zimbabwean organization focused on community development, education, and health initiatives and its mission is to empower communities through sustainable development, education, and health initiatives.
The Trust has a 5 year program in fighting drugs and substance abuse and according to the Director, it shall engage schools, youth organizations, Ministry of Health and Child Care in order to fight against drug and substance abuse.
It was observed that most criminal activities were associated with drug and substance abuse in the Society with young school going ages being the most affected leading to theft, deaths , murder and suicidal.
The march against drug and substance abuse serves as a beacon of hope for a brighter and healthier Zimbabwe. As Non-Governmental Organisations, community leaders, and citizens continue to unite against addiction, the country moves closer to overcoming this pressing challenge. Through sustained collaboration and advocacy, Zimbabwe can build a future where its youth thrive, free from the grip of substance abuse. This powerful display of community activism highlighted the urgent need for collective action against addiction, which affects countless lives and undermines national development.
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