Parents want stringent action to curb substance use in schools

National Parents Association Chairperson Silas Obuhatsa.

The National Parents Association has called for concerted efforts aimed at combating drug and substance use among students in the country.

National Chairperson, Silas Obuhatsa, lamented that the consumption has taken an upward trend, a situation he described as worrying.

Speaking during an anti-drugs seminar at Kericho Teachers Training College, Obuhatsa, warned of dire consequences, once the TSC to identify addicted teachers and those selling the drugs to children.

“The consumption of alcohol and drugs has been on the rise among students. This is worrying and we want more efforts directed towards addressing the problem,” he said.

He underscored the need for sensitization campaigns and also crackdown and banning shops from operating near learning institutions.

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Furthermore, Obuhatsa listed the effects of drugs as poor performance, teen pregnancies and school dropout, further urging parents to set good examples and closely monitor their children in order to prevent them from indulging in the vice.

“Some parents usually sell and consume these substances while others are too busy to have time with their children. This should not be the case.  As a Union, we ask parents to set good examples and monitor their children so as to prevent them from such acts,” noted Obuhatsa.

Kericho Branch Chairperson, Zablon Cheruiyot and his Bomet Counterpart, Stephen Koskey echoed the sentiments, terming the vice as a threat to education and the future of youths in the Country.

“Recently, in Bomet we lost a very bright student who was in university due to drug consumption. This is worrying and we want decisive action taken to stop consumption of alcohol and drugs by young people,” said Koskey.

The Ministry of Health, which organized the three day-seminar on its part said that stringent measures have been put in place to tackle the problem, promising to partner with various stakeholders to ensure implementation of   the agreed guidelines.

By Kimutai Langat

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