Officials from the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) launched a Learner Ambassador Programme for 10 Mthatha schools last week.
The event was held at Holy Cross Senior Secondary School in Mthatha and spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Liquor Board, Mgwebi Msiya, said that they had received numerous reports showing that alcohol consumption among school-going youth continues to be an upward trend.
“The programme seeks to create an environment where learner ambassadors educate other learners on the dangers of underage drinking. This will ensure that adolescents receive information from their peers rather than adults, and can engage freely with each other,” said Msiya.
He added that each school has nominated four learners (two boys and two girls) to become ambassadors of the ECLB messages on underage drinking. Msiya confirmed they had hosted the same programme at Buffalo City Metro, Nelson Mandela Bay and in Mount Ayliff.
According to him, after this launch they will host workshops, where they will educate these learners about what is needed from them.
A learner from Holy Cross Senior Secondary, Thina Sigonya (16), said this programme would assist them because they would manage to tell other learners about the dangers of using alcohol.
“I am still young so I do not drink alcohol; even when I am an adult I will never associate myself with alcohol because I know its consequences,” said Sigonya.
On the other side, Amila Majokweni (15) from Khanyisa Senior Secondary School, said that they would use this programme to show other learners that alcohol is not a solution; instead it destroys someone.
“If you are a learner and you want to have bright future, stay away from alcohol,” said Majokweni.
