04/09/2026
Yamurai Life Organisation Intensifies Fight Against Drug Abuse and Early Marriages in Mabvuku
MABVUKU – Yamurai Life Organisation, a community-based organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable children in Mabvuku and Tafara, has intensified efforts to combat drug and substance abuse through an awareness campaign held at Talent Village in Mabvuku on Friday, 4 September.
Report by Willie Gwatimba
The organisation, led by Mrs Hildah Mutendadzamera, works with orphans, homeless children and other vulnerable members of society, providing support through food assistance, shelter, life skills training and psycho-social services.
The awareness campaign brought together more than 50 children aged between seven and 14 years from the local community. Representatives from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), local clinic staff, community volunteers and parents attended the event and took time to educate the children on the dangers of drug and substance abuse, as well as the risks associated with early and child marriages.
Apart from the educational sessions, the children were treated to meals, snacks and refreshments in an effort to create a positive and engaging learning environment.
Speaking during the event, Yamurai Life Organisation Secretary, Ms Rutendo Kandi, said the campaign was organised in response to the growing prevalence of drug and substance abuse among young people in the Mabvuku-Tafara community.
“We have noticed a high level of drug and substance abuse within our community. Young people are increasingly exposed to drugs and are at risk of being influenced by negative peer pressure. Through this campaign, we wanted to educate children at an early age about the dangers associated with drugs and substance abuse, as well as the consequences of child marriages,” she said.
Ms Kandi warned that drug abuse negatively affects mental health, academic performance and the overall future prospects of young people.
“Drugs can affect a child's mental health and ability to participate effectively in school. If not addressed, this can place their future at serious risk,” she added.
She commended the Zimbabwe Republic Police, health workers, community volunteers and parents who partnered with the organisation to make the event a success.
Yamurai Life Organisation currently supports numerous vulnerable children, many of whom are orphans or come from disadvantaged backgrounds. According to Ms Kandi, some of the children assisted by the organisation have never had the opportunity to attend school despite being in their teenage years.
To address these challenges, the organisation is implementing several empowerment programmes, including scholarships, life skills training and income-generating projects such as mushroom production, soap making and broiler chicken rearing.
“We want to equip these children with practical skills that will help them become self-reliant and improve their quality of life,” said Ms Kandi.
Beyond child welfare programmes, the organisation also runs a soup kitchen that provides meals to vulnerable children, a sanitary pads project that promotes dignity and hygiene among young girls, a diaper programme for adults in need, and support initiatives for physically challenged individuals.
Ms Kandi appealed to donors, sponsors and development partners to collaborate with the organisation in expanding its programmes and reaching more vulnerable children.
“We are a fully registered organisation and maintain strong working relationships with partners such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police and local health institutions. We invite donors and sponsors to join us in building a brighter future for vulnerable children in Mabvuku and Tafara. Together, we can fight against drug abuse, child marriages and other social challenges that threaten the wellbeing of our children,” she said.
Drug and substance abuse remains one of the major social challenges affecting communities across Zimbabwe, contributing to a range of physical, mental and social problems. Community-driven initiatives such as those led by Yamurai Life Organisation continue to play an important role in protecting young people and promoting positive social development.
