Primary school learners in Thabong shared experiences of drug exposure at their schools during mental health awareness sessions hosted by the Matjhabeng Men’s Forum on Friday 15 May.
The outreach visits to the Mokgwabong Primary and Lehakwe Primary School in Far East Thabong formed part of International Day of the Boy Child activities ahead of the day’s commemoration on 16 May, and Mental Health Awareness Month programmes.
Learners in Gr. 5 to Gr. 7 were invited to participate in open discussions about behaviour, peer pressure, and safety challenges they face at school and in their communities.
Behaviour patterns and peer pressure
Nurse and counsellor Mammy Selaocoe addressed the learners on behaviour patterns, peer pressure and risks that affect young boys in particular. Benjy Molipa, secretary general of the Matjhabeng Men’s Forum, facilitated both sessions.
Paballo Nhlapo Montshiwagae of the Lenono Academy and spokesman for the Men’s Forum, introduced the Strong Voices and The Man in the Mirror programmes that are scheduled for Friday 29 May.
Past. Gert Visagie and Moruti Chaka opened sessions with prayer, while Ntate Matshidi from Machacufe engaged learners through song. Youth workers Chadiba Magakwe and Thembile Mafoyane of Rise Above Social Ills led direct engagement with the boys.
The learners spoke openly about their experiences, including drug exposure within school premises. The Mokgwabong Primary School presented more immediate challenges requiring urgent intervention, organisers said.
Drug exposure at school
The Men’s Forum will compile an assessment report outlining challenges identified and propose intervention mechanisms for both schools involved.
Further outreach continued on 20 May at the Setshabelo Primary School. A data validation session with all stakeholders is also scheduled for 30 May at the Mokgwabong Primary School, with confirmation pending for Lehakwe and Setshabelo to join the programme.
The work operates under guidance from the Matjhabeng Learner Safety and Outreach Coordinating Committee, and complies with the Protection of Personal Information (Popi) Act and the Children’s Act 38 of 2005.
The Department of Social Development and local stakeholders supported the initiative.
