Over the weekend, the organisation held a sports tournament in Matau Primary School, Hurungwe West District, Mashonaland West.
The organisation aimed to raise awareness on drug and substance abuse and to promote peaceful coexistence amongst the youth in the community.
Seven boys’ soccer and seven girls’ netball teams from Ward 25 in the district participated in the sporting event with the winners walking away with sports kits and soccer balls. Zvimonja football club and Zvipane girls netball teams emerged as the winners.
Opening the event, the Member of Parliament for Hurungwe West, Chinjai Kambuzuma expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported the tournament and learnt about drugs’ effects on the community.
She thanked 4-H Zimbabwe for the work that it does in educating communities about the importance of peace and the dangers associated with drug abuse.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to 4-H Zimbabwe for taking its time to engage youth from this district. The topic of drug use is very crucial as we continue to witness young people succumbing to drugs.”
4-H Zimbabwe has been using sport to promote social cohesion, development, physical, and mental well-being, and peace. The organisation has used sports to unite people in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe district which often records the highest number of politically motivated violence cases in Zimbabwe.
Ward 25 Councilor Nyamukumba embraced the initiative and encouraged the youth to desist from using drugs as they perpetuate violence in the area. He also expressed his appreciation for 4-H Zimbabwe`s efforts to fight gender discrimination by including girls in its sports programming.
Furthermore, John Muchenje, Executive Director for 4-H Zimbabwe gave an insight into the work that the organisation is doing and expressed satisfaction over 4-H`s use of edutainment to mobilise youth in various communities. He highlighted that the organisation will continue with this initiative and go to as many districts in Zimbabwe as possible.
In closing, Chief Matau emphasised the need to ensure that people live in harmony and unity. He commended 4-H Zimbabwe for educating the youth on the need to stay clean and drug-free as this is important for their psychological health.