Alarming Rise of Drug Abuse in Schools: A Call for Urgent Action
Substance addiction and drug use in educational institutions have been cited as a leading cause of disobedience and school unrest.
Some of these disturbances have resulted in loss of life and property, as well as unwarranted closures and lost learning time.
Principal Secretary of Education Belio Kipsang stated that students begin abusing drugs at a young age, with some as young as 13 years old, with the most common sources being kiosks, shops, and bars near schools, acquaintances, other students, and school employees.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Education Director, Dr. William Sugut, at the World Catholic Education Day celebrations in Kajiado, Kipsang stated that students abuse drugs primarily due to peer pressure, indiscipline, ignorance regarding the perils of drug abuse, and curiosity.
“Studies carried out have shown that almost every Kenyan youngster at one time or another experiments with drugs especially alcohol, cigarettes and other substances,” he said.
A substantial number of young people who begin abusing drugs at a young age become addicted, posing a hazard to their own well-being and that of the community.
He disclosed that the government has taken stringent measures to reduce drug and substance abuse in schools, including the introduction of school-based drug abuse prevention education in collaboration with key actors such as the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse.
Bishop John Obala of the Catholic Diocese of Ngong reaffirmed that alcohol and substance abuse were rampant in educational institutions, resulting in a lack of discipline among students.
“I would like to inform the youth that drugs are fatal. Bishop Obala stated, "Drugs will ruin your life, impair your performance and brain function, and make you irresponsible.”
He advised the students to associate with individuals who will instill them with good morals and help them develop.
In addition, the Bishop urged those who were already addicted to narcotics to seek assistance in order to be rehabilitated.
He emphasized that the Catholic Church, through its institutions, was committed to assisting the government in its mission to empower children through education.
During the celebrations themed “Walking together in faith and love; confronting the drug abuse menace in learning institutions for a better learning environment,” certificates and trophies were bestowed to the best Catholic schools and students in the county based on their performance in the national examinations last year.
Alarming Rise of Drug Abuse in Schools: A Call for Urgent Action
