The Local Community Development Association, LCDA, schooled some 250 students of Young Women’s Christian Association Secondary and High School, (YWCA) Mendong, Yaounde, on the negative repercussions of drug consumption last Friday, June 4, 2021.
The sensitization talk, which took place at the campus of the school, had as main objective, to create awareness on the repercussions of drug consumption, thereby building resilience against this social ill following the recent upsurge in cases of deviant behaviours in schools or by students exposed to drugs.
Lengamoun Joycelin, main facilitator at the event told the students that drugs can either be injected, smoked, inhaled/sniffed or consumed orally and can lead to instant death, behavioural problems/ suicide thoughts, mental health problems and academic under-performances.
She called on the students to stay away from this cankerworm which is slowly eating the society.
“Stay away from drugs, concentrate on your education and you will be very successful tomorrow,” she counselled.
The Principal of YWCA, Beltus Munjan saluted LCDA for adding its voice to the numerous calls against drug consumption.
He reminded his students of the effects of consuming drugs especially at a young age. Beltus Munjan called on the students to be resilient against drug consumption as they may be more exposed to it during the holidays.
On their part, the students welcomed the talked with much attention. A Form Four student, Peggy Vemouse says she has been encouraged with the talk to avoid the consumption of the drugs especially when she will be faced with peer pressure.
“As we are going on holidays, this talk is going to help me stay safe from drugs. I will also advise my friends to stay away from drugs because it will ruin their lives” added Peggy
At the end of the talk, LCDA donateda signboard with the inscription ‘Say No to Drugs! They will destroy your Future’. This will serve as a constant reminder on the ills of drug consumption. Also, a trash can was put at the disposal of the school to assist YWCA in keeping the school milieu clean.
Deviant behaviors amongst Cameroon youth, especially students, have witnessed an upsurge recently. There have been cases of drug abuse by students in school in Yaounde, Douala, Limbe and Kribi including the consumption of alcohol, smoking marijuana and indulging into pornographic acts and at times even attacking their teachers during schools hours.
By Timfuchi Aroan
