THE DEPARMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ADDRESSES CHALLENGES FACED BY STUDENTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS |
Monday, 04 February 2019 | |
In 2016, the Department of Social Development conducted dialogues in Eastern Cape-based tertiary institutions to address challenges faced by students particularly those affecting female students, students with disabilities, students exiting the social security grant system as well as students who form part of the LGBTI community. Among some of the findings from the dialogues was the high rate of substance abuse in the institutions. Students at the Walter Sisulu University of Technology, for example, made reference to the easy access to alcohol and related substances from a local tavern. They also asked that the Department assigns social workers on campuses in order to attend to the needs of students in need of counselling. As a response to the plea of the students and as part of the Anti-Substance Abuse Campaign, which was launched in December 2018, the Department of Social Development has undertaken to dedicate more efforts towards the implementation of anti-substance abuse prevention through awareness campaigns and education as the first levels of intervention. The purpose of the Anti-Substance Abuse Campaign, held under the theme: “Building a Community that is Free of Alcohol and Drug Abuse” is to enlighten and inform communities about the harmful effects of substance abuse. Substance abuse is also reported to contribute to close to 60% of crimes committed and 80% of male youth deaths. The Department of Social Development is hosting exhibitions in tertiary institutions throughout the country in line with the Anti-Substance Abuse Campaign. At the exhibitions, departmental information about how substance abuse contributes to the scourge of gender-based violence and HIV infections will be shared with learners. The Department’s Victim Empowerment Programme will also be sharing vital information about the assistance the Department of Social Development has for those in need of counselling. Activations for the Anti-Substance Abuse Campaign will continue throughout the country until 25 February 2019. The tertiary exhibitions in the Western Cape will take place as follows: Date: Tuesday, 29 January, 2019 Date: Wednesday, 30 January, 2019 Date: Thursday, 31 January, 2019 Media can RSVP by contacting Ms Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane on 066 480 6845 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Media inquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it |