The National Campaign Against Drugs entitled ‘Unis contre la drogue’ (United against Drugs) was kicked off, yesterday afternoon, at Souillac Youth Hub, by a workshop, organised by the Prime Minister’s Office, and bringing together young people from the southern region of Mauritius to reflect and discuss the thematic of drug.
The objectives of the National Campaign are to mobilise and create awareness among the population on the dangers and risks of drug use, and promote the prevention of drug abuse.
In that context, the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister for Rodrigues, Outer Islands and Territorial Integrity, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, had an interaction session with the young participants who were divided into ten working groups.
The youngsters were able to share with the Prime Minister their thoughts, comments, and insights on four topics: the reasons for drug use among young people; the ways parents and teachers could guide and protect against drug use and other related harm; how to empower young people to get out of drugs; and the capacity of the country to fight against drugs more effectively.
In his remarks for the occasion, Prime Minister Jugnauth welcomed the opportunity to meet with the youths of Mauritius and listen to their voices on the scourge of drug which, he deemed, a national issue of high priority for the Government. He informed that the observations and views of the participants would be taken on board to develop policies in the fight against drugs. On that score, he announced that similar workshops would be held with young people across Mauritius to gather their reflections and suggestions.
The Head of Government also expressed his conviction that there would be substantial progress in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking with the active contribution of young people. He talked of his belief in the capacity of young Mauritians to make a positive impact in the community.
Coinciding with the launch of the drug campaign was the inauguration of the new renovated youth centre, now named Souillac Youth Hub, by the Prime Minister. He stressed that one aspect of the fight against drugs was to ensure that young people did not fall prey to drugs by providing them with healthy and interesting activities as well as sensitisation programmes.
Hence, Mr Jugnauth appraised that Youth Centres across the island would be transformed into modern Youth Hubs under the aegis of the National Youth Council. The Youth Hubs, manned by counsellors and officers, would become community focal points for young people with appropriate programmes, activities, and sports to engage both their body and mind so that they make positive choices and stay free of drugs.
Regarding the National Campaign Against Drugs, the Prime Minister underlined that the fight against drugs required the collective efforts of society and put forward the role of parents, teachers, peers, government, and non-governmental organisations in stamping out the drug scourge. He affirmed that there should be no sympathy nor compromise for drug dealers who destroyed the lives of many people while unscrupulously enriching themselves. However, he recalled that drug addiction was an illness and that the relevant assistance such as rehabilitation and therapy should be provided to those victims of drug abuse.
