-- In South Africa, the rise in drug abuse among school-age children is becoming a growing crisis, with provinces like the Western Cape and Gauteng facing alarming rates of drug-related incidents. Every 12 seconds, another school-age child experiments with illicit drugs for the first time—a sobering reality that highlights the increasing threat of drug abuse among young people in South Africa and beyond. With drug use among youth rapidly rising, immediate action is needed to safeguard future generations.
The Church of Scientology, through its globally recognized Drug-Free World campaign, is tackling this issue head-on. With a track record of reaching over 1 billion people worldwide, the campaign is the largest non-governmental anti-drug information and prevention initiative on Earth. This effort has already helped prevent countless young people from engaging in recreational drug use or worse.
The Truth About Drugs Campaign: A Powerful Tool for Change
The key to combating drug abuse is providing young people with factual, straightforward information. The Truth About Drugs series, a collection of 13 educational booklets, serves as a vital resource, offering honest and accurate depictions of the dangers of common drugs like methamphetamine, cannabis, and “nyaope,” a particularly devastating drug widely abused in South Africa. These materials are available free of charge to anti-drug coalitions, schools, community groups, and government institutions across South Africa.
In addition to the booklets, they provide a comprehensive package including a study guide, activities manual, and an educator’s classroom kit. These resources equip teachers, law enforcement, and community leaders with effective tools to educate youth and help them make informed decisions about drugs.
Furthermore, the newly released 90-minute documentary, which complements the Truth About Drugs booklets, features real stories from those who survived addiction, providing a deeper, more personal look into the impact of drugs on individuals and their communities.
Tackling the Drug Epidemic in South Africa
South Africa faces alarming statistics when it comes to drug abuse. According to the South African Police Service’s 2023 crime statistics, drug-related crimes are among the most prevalent, with methamphetamine and cannabis being the most commonly abused substances. The 2019 South African Community Survey found that nearly 10% of South African adolescents have experimented with illicit substances, with rising concerns about the devastating effects of nyaope in communities across the country.
The campaign is committed to providing the youth of South Africa with the tools they need to make informed decisions and resist the pressures of drug abuse. By educating young people about the truth of drugs, the Drug-Free World campaign aims to reduce usage rates and prevent future addiction in South Africa, ultimately protecting our youth from the destructive effects of substance abuse.
As the drug epidemic continues to threaten communities across South Africa and the continent, it is clear that collaboration and education are critical. The Truth About Drugs campaign is an essential resource in this fight, and the campaign’s educational materials are now available for all who wish to join the cause. Schools, government agencies, and community organizations across South Africa are encouraged to request these free resources and take part in creating a drug-free future.
In collaboration with local partners, including South African schools and youth organizations, the Church of Scientology invites all South Africans to take action and ensure a brighter, drug-free future for the next generation.
Contact Info:
Name: SANDILE HLAYISI
Email: Send Email
Organization: CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY SOUTH AFRICA
Phone: 061 907 9325
Website: https://www.castlekyalami.org.za/
Release ID: 89149106
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