The Department of Basic Education commemorated the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2014 at Tlhabane Technical High School in Tlhabane, Rustenburg on Thursday, 24 June 2014.
The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987. It is commemorated by the international community on 26 June annually.
This day is set aside as a reminder of the goals agreed upon by Member of States to create an international society free of drug abuse. Alcohol and drug use are a significant problem in South Africa. Prevalence rates gradually increase through the teen years and peak among persons aged 18 to 25.
While the initiation of the use of most substances typically occurs during the teens or early years of adulthood, the use of tobacco and alcohol continues in much larger proportions with age.
The youth associate drinking alcohol with having fun, being cool, success and popularity. Some of the causes of excessive alcohol use include peer pressure, a desire to fit in, ignorance of the consequences of alcohol consumption, boredom and easy access.
Alcohol outlets including supermarkets, bars, shebeens and unlicensed liquor outlets (which out-number licensed ones), are very popular with the youth. To popularise drinking, different avenues are used such as advertising (and using celebrities and sporting heroes), promotion during sporting events and the introduction of sweetened exotic alcoholic fruit drinks.
Under the theme “Don’t let binge drinking be your sinking”, the event at Tlhabane Technical School was aimed at sensitizing learners and school communities about the dangers of alcohol abuse which has adverse consequences on school attendance, academic performance and the health and safety of learners, among others. Nine (9) surrounding schools also participated in the build-up activities as well as the national event.
The department focussed on binge drinking for the 2014 commemoration. This was informed by the common practice of learners in secondary schools to engage in binge drinking during sporting events, farewell functions, end-of-term parties and when celebrating completion of end-of-the-year examinations.
The objectives of the commemoration event were:
- to join the international community in raising awareness and to prevent dangers brought about by the use of alcohol and drugs;
- to raise awareness on the effects of binge drinking;
- to promote learner participation in positive decision-making and how it contributes to better learning outcomes; and
- to popularise the DBE Strategy for the Prevention and Management of Alcohol and Drug Use Amongst Learners.
Through the buid-up activities from May 2014, Life Orientation educators presented lessons and activities to enable Grade 8 to 11 learners throughout the country to reflect on the following: their experiences with binge-drinking in their communities and the impact thereof; celebrities that have been impacted on by alcohol and drug use; and ways of having fun with peers without compromising one's health and safety.
Through its various initiatives the DBE aims to ensure that all learners are firmly aware of, and actively involved in the department's programmes to combat alcohol and drug abuse.
The DBE works closely with learners, educators, SGB’s, communities, key government departments such as the SAPS, the Departments of Health and Social Development and civil society in our programmes.
The presence of these stakeholders and partners at the event serves to solidify relations and ensure that the futures of our children are not compromised by the behavioural patterns and habits they adopt in their youth. It will take a collective effort for us to succeed.
Enquiries:
Elijah Mhlanga
Cell: 083 763 3472
Brian Setswambung, North West Department of Education
Cell: 076 012 4501
