SOCIAL issues such as abuse of drugs and alcohol, and violence against women and children came under discussion during an awareness campaign at Birdswood Secondary School, hosted by uThungulu Community and Cultural Centre (UCCC).
Pupils and their parents were invited to attend the three-day event where guest speakers from SANCA, Alcoholics Anonymous and the Department of Social Development held presentations as well as group dialogues.
According to UCCC Director Gloria Naidu the presentations were well received and pupils highlighted some of their challenges such as peer pressure, family and relationship issues and welfare concerns.
‘Our campaign yielded excellent results as we saw pupils reach out to our counsellors and share their problems and concerns.
‘There is certainly a need for such campaigns in school as children are facing numerous hurdles and challenges which could hinder their academic performance,’ she said.
School Principal, Stanley Mazibuko welcomed the initiative presented by the UCCC.
‘Learners are faced with individual challenges and we as teachers do not know about their social and welfare background as we are focused on teaching and not aware of the elements that can hinder them in the classroom.
‘This campaign has allowed our pupils to open up and speak out about the challenges they face and to seek help from the various stakeholders.
‘Some of the children’s academic performance is impeded by obstacles that are not necessarily subject based and we welcome organisations such as UCCC who are helping to identify and address the challenges.’
