-- In a powerful show of unity, government officials, community leaders, educators, and healthcare professionals gathered on Friday, at the Nelson Mandela Bay City Hall Auditorium to confront the escalating drug crisis in South Africa. The event, hosted in partnership with Johnson & Sebha NPC and the Foundation for a Drug-Free World, and sponsored by the Church of Scientology, aimed to build capacity in drug prevention—an area of growing concern across the nation.
With drug abuse rates soaring by over 30% in recent years, the need for effective, community-driven prevention programs has never been more urgent. The workshop brought together key stakeholders from the police force, nonprofit organizations, and various government departments. These participants shared firsthand accounts of the devastating impact drugs have had on their communities.
“Listening to everyone’s stories today made it clear that we are not alone in our struggles against drugs,” said one attendee. “I feel at peace now, and I hope the police and the community can work more closely together moving forward.”
The workshop provided practical tools to help attendees educate youth and families about the harmful effects of drugs. A series of hard-hitting short videos from the documentary The Truth About Drugs were shown, featuring real stories of individuals who battled addiction. Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on various drugs were also screened, followed by an introduction to the Educator’s Kit provided by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World.
The comprehensive kit includes booklets on all major drugs, the full-length documentary, PSAs, posters, and most importantly, an Educator’s Guide designed for use in classrooms and community settings. Each attendee received a full set of booklets, with many requesting additional copies and ordering their own free Educator’s Kit online.
One NPO leader expressed optimism after the workshop: “As a result of this workshop, I now have the knowledge to teach others about drug abuse and how to prevent it.”
The event allowed a space for open dialogue between those affected by drug abuse and those fighting it on the front lines. One of the most powerful takeaways was the shared sense of purpose among attendees.
Ms. Sinawo, founder of Johnson & Sebha NPC, emphasized the importance of community education in combating drug abuse: “We are all dealing with drugs in our communities. This workshop gave us the tools we need to educate families and youth. Drugs contribute to many other social issues, such as gender-based violence and unemployment. Having these materials from the Foundation for a Drug-Free World will help us address these issues head-on.”
Attendees left the workshop not only with educational materials but with a renewed sense of purpose. A police officer who attended said: “I feel that there is hope. With the necessary help, I’ll be able to support my learners in staying drug-free and guide those already struggling.”
Another attendee, a teacher, added: “It made me realize how prevention is key. If you want to engage with an issue, you need to find out all the facts first, and this workshop gave me exactly that.”
The collective vision for a drug-free South Africa was echoed by one of the attendees, a local community leader: “Being part of this group, with a clear mission of fighting for a Drug-Free World, gives me hope. I will make use of this program and play my part in my area.”
This workshop marked the beginning of a larger movement to equip communities with the knowledge and resources needed to fight drug abuse at its roots. By providing practical, actionable tools, Nelson Mandela Bay is taking significant development toward a drug-free future.
About Us: For over 20 years, the Castle Kyalami has been a Midrand landmark. Located atop the highest point in the region, with vistas that stretch for miles, the castle is now home to the Church of Scientology. But once upon a time, it was the personal palace of a Greek architect and his extended family. Today, the Castle Kyalami, which is nationally registered, is a spiritual retreat for Scientologists and includes an expansive state-of-the-art auditorium, a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating for more than 200, a café, a swimming pool and a braai-equipped gazebo. It stands as a home for the community as well as a hub of action for all who share the goal of bettering the lives of individuals and strengthening communities across this region, this nation and all of Africa.
Contact Info:
Name: SANDILE HLAYISI
Email: Send Email
Organization: FOUNDATION FOR A DRUG FREE WORLD AFRICA
Phone: 061 907 9325
Website: https://www.castlekyalami.org.za/
Release ID: 89144503
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