Indigo Center 4 Justice Engages Pupils On Drug Abuse & Violence
By Mackie M. Jalloh
On Friday, 10th February 2023, at the Crown International Academy, Waterloo, Indigo Center for Justice and CoDaP engaged pupils on their regular campaign against drug abuse, alcohol and violence in society.
During the campaign, Sheila Driscoll expressed excitement in being at the school, adding that it is not the first school she has been on campaign against drug abuse and alcohol consumption, a situation that has become very prevalent among school going pupils and youths in society, furthering that this has been one of the key reasons for the dropout from school of most pupils. She further that while trying to protect the rights of the girl child, they are also trying to guide the boys as well. She continued that violence and drug abuse, as well as alcohol, is a cancer in our society, and advised pupils to stay away from it.
Edward Jackson from CoDap explained about the misuse of drugs, especially psycho drugs, adding that some of these drugs have a lot of negative impact on pupils and youths in our society. He further that some youths use these drugs as food stuff, put in food, and the most common use is boiling it as tea. He continued that pupils should stay away from drugs and alcohol, especially while going to school, as the future lies in their hands.
Karifala Mansaray, a representative also from CoDap, spoke about self-esteem, where he told pupils that they should believe in themselves and do the right things, than copy what others do, which is often dangerous. He advised pupils that they should be the best advisers for themselves, especially when drugs and alcohol pose a serious challenge to their lives and future. Karifala also said that haven lived wayward lives before, does not mean that one cannot change. He admonished them to concentrate on their academic work.
He concluded by advising pupils to stay from such harmful elements, and be good examples to others, and also to preach to them about the effects of drug abuse and alcohol.
One of the pupils, Sulisha, expressed excitement in being part of this sensitisation and campaign session, adding that she has learnt a lot, and promised to be a good example to her friends.
Abu Bakarr, another pupil, said that he has never been part of drug abuse and alcohol use, nor a participant in any violence, but have friends who are addicted to both harmful elements. He also maintained that he has learnt from all what Indigo and CoDaP have spoken about, and that he will start advising his friends to stop and maintain self-esteem.
