As with just about everything on the planet earth these days, the problem of substance abuse is truly global!
A recent report by Kenya’s Ministry of Education showed deep concern about active sex, drug and substance abuse among the youth in high school. The group has vowed to take urgent corrective measures to contain the situation.
The findings reflected the reality, as a similar survey had been conducted by the ministry in 2009. The government being aware of the dangers that alcohol and drug abuse poses to the individual and society has put in place measures to check and regulate the supply and use of substance in the country.
The report showed that the cases of drug abuse are rampant in schools, and attributed them to risky sexual behaviors, which have resulted in a surge of unplanned pregnancies. They also are experiencing cases of sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/Aids and other infections among the youth in schools.
Poor academic performance has been blamed on alcohol and substance abuse, and the practice contributes to numerous cases of students dropping out of school
Cases of student unrest coupled with violence and criminal behavior, rape, and death in schools have been on a steady increase in the recent past, a situation that has been blamed on among other reasons drug abuse.
The Ministry has worked hard to provide enhanced capacity buildings of teachers through the guidance and counseling programs, where at least one teacher in every school has undergone training on drug abuse.
Substance abuse is a universal problem. Kenyans, with a lack of Internet infrastructure do not have the enhanced benefit of most Americans which is to take a good online drug class.