BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
As drug and substance abuse continues to cast a shadow over many communities, one Chinotimba youth is speaking out about what he believes is a growing crisis among young people.
In an interview with VicFallsLive’s Community Voices series, Naison Mbedani said many youths in the suburb are struggling with drug and substance abuse, leaving families worried and communities searching for answers.
Mbedani fears that many talented young people are losing direction and hope at a time when they should be building their futures.
“We are losing a generation, talents,” he said.
According to Mbedani, the challenge affects both young men and women, with some turning to drugs while others engage in risky activities in an effort to survive.
He believes a lack of opportunities, recreational facilities and youth empowerment programmes is contributing to the problem.
“There is a lot of talent in our community, but many young people do not have opportunities to develop it,” he said.
Mbedani called on authorities, community leaders and residents to work together to create opportunities that can help young people regain hope and purpose.
His comments come amid growing concern across Zimbabwe over the impact of drug and substance abuse on communities.
📹 Watch the full Community Voices interview on the VicFallsLive YouTube channel, where Mbedani shares his experiences and suggestions for tackling the challenges facing youths in Chinotimba.
