Intensified awareness campaigns against drugs and substance abuse will enlighten and inspire action toward combating the menace to promote drug-free living among students.
According to University of Embu (UoEm) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof. Daniel Mugendi, drug abuse needs a multiagency approach from all education stakeholders and the community as well.
Prof. Mugendi was addressing students during an awareness and engagement session at the campus presided over by former Second Lady, Pastor Dr. Dorcas Rigathi.
“Public awareness forums against drug abuse have continued to gain importance among students and public in general given that drug abuse remains a serious public health concern,” she said.
The session themed, ‘Place of the Male Student and Effects of Drug Substance on the Youth’ the VC said that varsities have a responsibility to equip students with knowledge that will enable them to lead healthy and productive lives.
Speaking at the event, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire warned that drug abuse impaired physical and mental health, curtailed careers, strained relationships and increased risk of early death.
Mbarire stressed the need for empowering the boy-child in fighting health issues linked to drugs and substance abuse adding that he remained the key contributor to the well-being of the family, the community and the nation at large.
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Pastor Dorcas expressed her determination to empower the young generation, especially the boy child, to realize their full potential and lead dignified lives.
“I wish to urge you not to allow your backgrounds to determine your future but instead work hard while believing in God,” she added.
She revealed that her passion against alcoholism was drawn from losses in her family where they lost an Engineer and a Doctor to alcoholism-related ailments.
Pastor Dorcas expressed her determination to continue campaigns to curb drug and substance abuse through public lectures, and starting rehabilitation centres and self-help groups.
By Robert Nyagah
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