AR and Rundu Councillor Patrick Kufuna Rolls Out Kavango Kickstart Tour to Address Drugs, Mental Health, and Social Challenges Among Learners
By TUW
Efforts to curb rising social challenges among school-going youth in Rundu took centre stage this week as a new community-driven outreach programme was officially rolled out to learners, placing emphasis on prevention, awareness and early intervention.
The Kavango Kickstart Tour, initiated by Rundu Town Council’s youngest councillor, Patrick Kufuna, was launched at Romanus Kamunoko Senior Secondary School, marking the beginning of a broader engagement with learners across the region. The initiative is designed to address pressing issues affecting young people, including crime involvement, substance abuse, mental health struggles and general health awareness.
Speaking at the launch, Kufuna underscored the importance of reaching learners at an early stage of the academic year, noting that many social problems facing schools often stem from a lack of information, guidance and access to support services. He said the programme seeks to equip learners with practical knowledge and life skills that will help them make informed and responsible decisions.
The tour brings together a multidisciplinary team comprising members of the Namibian Police Force, healthcare professionals and social workers. Through interactive sessions, learners are engaged on topics such as the dangers of drug use, the growing trend of vaping among youth, peer pressure, crime prevention strategies, as well as mental and emotional wellbeing.
Police officers participating in the programme highlighted the link between substance abuse and youth crime, urging learners to stay away from activities that could jeopardise their futures. Health professionals, on the other hand, focused on the physical and psychological effects of drugs and vaping, while also encouraging learners to seek help when dealing with stress, anxiety or other mental health concerns.
Social workers used the platform to discuss coping mechanisms, self-esteem and the importance of open communication, reminding learners that support systems exist both within schools and in the wider community. They also encouraged learners to speak up about challenges they face at home or school before such issues escalate.
Kufuna described the Kavango Kickstart Tour as a proactive approach aimed at strengthening collaboration between local authorities, service providers and schools. He said the initiative is not only about awareness, but also about building trust between young people and institutions that are meant to protect and support them.
Kufuna noted that many learners are dealing with drug use, vaping and broader life pressures, stressing that young leaders have a duty to intervene and support fellow youth instead of standing by.
“We have realised that learners are coming to school with drugs, vapes and many other life challenges, and as young leaders we cannot sit back and watch our fellow youth suffer,” Kufuna said.
The councillor added that the tour will be extended to other schools in Rundu and surrounding areas in the coming weeks, with the goal of creating a safer, healthier and more informed generation of young people.
School management at Romanus Kamunoko Senior Secondary School welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and relevant, particularly in light of increasing social pressures facing learners. They expressed hope that sustained engagement of this nature would contribute to improved learner behaviour, wellbeing and academic focus.
