Youth cautioned on drugs, pregnancy

The youth in Musanze District have been urged to fight vices like drug abuse and unwanted pregnancies.The call was made by officials during a youth campaign on fighting drugs and unwanted pregnancies in schools on Sunday.A report released by the Gender Monitoring Office showed that in 2012, 522 unwanted pregnancies among girls between 10-18 years were recorded.Hundreds of young males are annually taken to Iwawa Rehabilitation and Vocational Skills Development Centre (IRVSDC) because of drug abuse-related problems. The campaign, which is ongoing, does not only focus on pregnancies but also sexual activities leading to unwanted pregnancy, fight against drug abuse and how the youth should improve their socio-economic status while contributing to the national development as well.Speaking in Musanze District, MP Philbert Uwiringiyimana, the youth representative in Parliament, told the youth that life is their wealth and once they misuse it they hurt not only their future, but that of the country as well.“The youth are the strength of the country and we count on you a lot, we want you to avoid these vices while still in school because this is when you are most vulnerable,” said Uwiringiyimana.Clement Twizeyimana, the youth representative in Musanze District, said this year alone, more than 15 unwanted pregnancies were recorded while over 35 youth were taken to Iwawa for rehabilitation.“Unwanted pregnancies and drug abuse are vices we should all work collectively to eliminate and this campaign is one of the measures to that, we will keep mobilising the youth to fight against them,” said Twizeyimana.Students were also urged to reveal information relating cases of the so-called sugar daddies who either rape or lure naive young girls into sexual acts.“This campaign is good and timely, as a student I am committed to fight against drugs and sexual activities. I am reminded that my life is my wealth and I will take care of it,” said Moses Rubibi, a senior four student at Sunrise High School in Musanze.Another female student, who only identified herself as Uwineza, said she will do the best to protect against any temptation that could lead her into premature sexual encounters.

National

Youth cautioned on drugs, pregnancy