Traditional leaders, educators, and law enforcement in Ward 1 (Chadereka) have drawn a line in the sand against social vices threatening the district’s youth, officially launching the “Not In My Village” campaign.

Driven by growing concerns over the triple threat of substance abuse, early marriages, and teenage pregnancies, the campaign was inaugurated at Chadereka Business Centre. The initiative brings together the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and local traditional leadership under Chief Kasekete to form a united front to protect vulnerable minors.

The campaign empowers village heads and community watch committees to actively report illicit drug peddlers and enforce strict by-laws against families facilitating child marriages.

“We are losing brilliant young girls to early pregnancies and our young men to dangerous substances,” declared the Ward Councillor during the community address. “The ‘Not In My Village’ campaign is a pledge by every parent, teacher, and leader here. We will expose those selling drugs to our children, and we will ensure the law takes its course against anyone attempting to marry off an underage girl.”

The Council has pledged to support the initiative by increasing funding for youth recreational facilities and expanding vocational training awareness in the Lower Muzarabani wards to keep youths productively engaged.