The Drug enforcement commission in North-Western Province has been commended for spearheading school quiz competition on drug and substance abuse as a way of raising awareness on the dangers of the vice among youths especially school learners.
Solwezi Technical STEM school Deputy Headteacher John Mwape, represented by the school teacher Francis Kapongolo, said that engaging young people through education initiatives like school quiz in the fight against drug and substance abuse empowers learners with valuable knowledge and helps develop the spirit of teamwork and confidence.
Mr Mwape stated that schools play an important role in shaping an informed and responsible citizenry.
Mr Mwape however noted the need for concerted efforts from different stakeholders such as the church, Government departments and Civil Society Organisation in the fight against the vice.
“The quiz is more than a competition, it is a platform to learn, raise awareness and personal growth, the knowledge gained from this program will help learners make informed decisions, avoid harmful substances and be ambassadors of positive change within their schools and communities,” he said.
North-Western Province Drug Enforcement Commission Senior Investigations officer Rosalynn Hameja said that the quiz competition was being conducted in Solwezi and Kalumbila districts ahead of the World Drug Day to be held on June 26,2026.
Ms Hameja said that the Commission settled for a quiz competition as a way of engaging youths who she described as a group prone to engaging in drug and substance abuse, so as to raise awareness.
She hinted that the province has had cases of youths being arrested for drug and substance abuse and the commission placed priority on helping empower youths with knowledge on the adverse effects of engaging in the vice.
“The drug enforcement commission and school are partners and we wanted to strengthen the collaboration so that we speak one voice when it comes to the prevention of drug and substance abuse and let me also mention that the winners of this competition from Solwezi will compete with the winners in Kalumbila in the finals,” she said.
Meanwhile pupils from the schools participating in the competition have expressed gratitude for taking part.
Solwezi day Secondary school Head girl Faith Malama who is a member of the peer educators group stated that there was need for more sensitisation on drug abuse, stating that the quiz was helping learners to have more information on drug abuse.
And Precious Kombe, a peer educator from Kikombe secondary school said by virtual of being part of the quiz, learners will be able to share information on the dangers of drug abuse because they have the information.
Six selected schools from Solwezi district participating in the quiz are: Solwezi urban, Mushitala, Solwezi trades, Solwezi Technical Stem school, Solwezi Day and Kyawana secondary schools.
