This archive report was first published on 25 June 2021.
As a nation, we pride ourselves on producing some of the brightest minds in Africa. However, beneath the surface, a disturbing trend is unfolding. Substance abuse among our youth has become a worrying concern, with many students succumbing to the temptation of drugs to cope with the pressures of university life.
According to recent reports, social media has been flooded with images and videos of young people indulging in substance abuse, with some even being presumed dead. The alarming rate at which this trend is spreading has left many wondering what could be driving our youth to this destructive path.
One student, who wished to remain anonymous, defended his actions by saying, "I'm not an addict." While this may be true in the short term, the long-term consequences of regular substance abuse are devastating. The student's habit will not only impact his health but also his finances, leaving him with nothing but shame and poor grades.
It's not just the individual who suffers; the entire nation is at risk. These students are the leaders of tomorrow, and if they continue down this path, our future is in jeopardy. It's time for us to take action and address the root causes of this trend before it's too late.
Tracy Bonareri, a 20-year-old journalism and digital media student at KCA University, is one of the many young voices calling for change. Are you aged 10-20 and passionate about making a difference? Email your 400-600-word article to [email protected] and join the conversation.
