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Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
THE Kwekwe Child Protection Unit (CPU) has raised concern over some vendors operating from school gates who are in the habit of selling drugs to learners in the district.

The vendors who previously sold snacks and sweets to the learners, have now included prohibited drugs.

During a district CPU meeting recently, participants raised concern over the practice by vendors who should be playing a role in curbing the drug abuse problem.

Community Care Worker, Mrs Rhoda Phiri said she had since carried out research at Globe and Phoenix Primary school where she said vendors are in the habit of hiding the drugs in nearby bushes.

“I am making a request to responsible authorities to please get rid of vendors at Globe and Phoenix Primary School.

“These are the people who are selling drugs to our children. They are supposed to be protecting them but they are the ones who are supplying them with drugs and alcohol,” she said.

Mrs Phiri said the vendors were also selling the same drugs to the community at large.

Kwekwe District Projects-Programmes Officer in the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Mr Edmore Gomo said there was a need for schools to open tuck-shops and do away with vendors.

“This is a devastating story and as a way forward, I suggest that each school should have a tuck-shop where children can easily buy their sweets and snacks. Schools should shut out these vendors that are ruining the future of our children,” said Mr Gomo.

He said there was a need for awareness campaigns on the dangers of drug abuse amongst learners.

There was also a need to empower junior councillors and legislators as they play a pivotal role in spreading the word.
“We need to start recognising the importance of the junior councillors and junior MPs and rope them in in our awareness campaigns. The children can listen better to someone of their age,” said Mr Gomo.

Kwekwe district is recording an increase   in the number of pupils dropping out of  school owing to drug abuse, teen  pregnancies and child marriages among other challenges.