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Youth in Zimbabwean Archdiocese Visit Drug Rehabilitation Facility for “reality check”

Archbishop Alex Thomas pose for a picture with young adults and the youth during a visit to Ingutsheni psychiatry hospital. Credit: Catholic Church News Zimbabwe

Members of the Young Catholic Adults (YCA) in Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo Archdiocese have visited the country’s Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital, where victims of drug abuse are housed for a “reality check” on the dangers and effects of substance abuse.  

In a report published Monday, May 8, YCA members from Holy Family Parish who were in the company of Archbishop Alex Thomas Kaliyanil of Bulawayo Archdiocese also reached out to the victims of drug and substance abuse at the facility with donations.

During the visit, Archbishop Thomas is said to have congratulated the youth for their kind donation to the rehabilitation, adding that the visit sought to enlighten them about the effects of drugs.

“Our visit to Ingutsheni with the young adults and the youth from Holy Family Parish Nketa is meant to have a first-hand appreciation of the reality of drug and substance abuse,” the Catholic Archbishop is quoted as saying in the report.

The member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) adds, “The youth need a reality check so that they learn about the effects of drugs. I appreciate the young adults’ effort to donate food items and some clothing to the inmates.”

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“As the Archdiocese of Bulawayo, we encourage Christians to be proactive in their faith and in charity,” says the Catholic Archbishop who has been at the helm of the Zimbabwean Archdiocese since September 2009.

In the report, the chairperson of the YCA at the Holy Family Parish says it is important for young adults to learn about issues that relate to drug and substance abuse.

Nyasha Moyo says he found it saddening that their young colleagues are victims of drug and substance abuse, which he says could be as a result of “idleness, neglect, stress and depression.”

Mr. Moyo adds, “We have also donated some goods to support those in the hospital as Ingutsheni has been facing challenges due to lack of adequate food stuffs to feed the patients at the institution.”

On her part, the Health Promotion Officer at the psychiatric hospital, Anesu Chinguwa, disclosed that the facility receives a large number of youth who abuse different drugs, with majority being Marijuana.

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Ms. Chinguwa is said to have also observed that the drugs are “severely affecting young people psychologically, emotionally and physically with some becoming permanent drug addicts.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.