Editor,

It is common to see bars and other entertainment joints full during weekends, especially with young people drinking, having fun and whiling time away. It is a fact that there is no relieving action from a weeklong busy work schedule and activities like having a good time with friends together, but some youths are taking this too far by engaging in excessive consumption of alcohol.

Drug abuse, especially high consumption of alcohol, is common among the youth of today because of several reasons:

First, most youths are under peer pressure and do not want to disappoint their drinking friends; and secondly, excessive consumption of alcohol amongst youth results from life’s frustrations and challenges.

In a move to stay focused and figure their purpose of life out, the youth should identify potential mentors in society who made it despite the odds and limitations in life; they further need to be consultative when  faced with problems rather than turning to alcohol. This is because alcohol, just like any other addictive drug, lessens one’s inefficiency hence rendering a once productive person ineffective.

Rwandan youth should collectively engage their energies in nation-building activities, because they are part of this country’s moving wheels towards Vision 2020.

Barack Oduor, Rwanda