The Teenagers Against Drug Abuse (TADA) movement is one of the most exciting developments in the fight against substance abuse and the misunderstanding which still prevails about drug addiction.
On 18 August 1986, Adele Searl, a well-known campaigner against drug abuse and a mother to a recovering drug dependent, addressed learners from various high schools in the greater Durban areas. The learners of Durban Girl’s College, who attended the presentation at the time, were so impressed that they wanted to become actively involved in the fight against drug abuse and that is how TADA was established.
Social work manager at the Tongaat Child Welfare, Jo Moodley said the organisation has noticed an increase in the number of drug related cases in schools. She said: “It was agreed that a prevention and educational programme within schools was essential. Many parents and families have reported that they are struggling to cope with the unruly behaviour of their children, who have issues relating to drug misuse.”
In order to promote awareness, The Tongaat Child and Family Welfare Society hosted a TADA Training Programme for all six secondary schools, which consisted of 60 learners, within the Tongaat area. The training was held over two days and three schools attended on each day.
Sthembiso Mdlanzi from the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) provided the training and focused on the effects of drugs and how they can be misused. He also touched on the three types of drugs which are commonly used before moving to equip learners with information on how they could form a TADA Committee within their schools.
A follow up discussions was held on the impact that such a committee would have on their peers and ways to take this knowledge forward. Clyde Pillay, secretary of Tongaat Child Welfare Society and representative of the Tongaat Anti-Drug Forum (TADF), spoke at the event and provided important insight into the drug issues affecting the Tongaat community.
Sushie Govender, a social worker at the Haven of Rest, was also present at the programme on both days and presented a brief talk on their facility and the services they provide to residents in and around the Tongaat areas. Craig Govender from the Serenity Wellness Centre, a guest speaker, ended the programme with a testimony of his life experiences with drug and alcohol abuse.
The co-ordinators of the programme would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to SANCA, Haven of Rest, Tongaat Anti-Drug Forum, learners, educators, guest speakers, staff and Board of Management members of Tongaat Child Welfare Society for their support in ensuring the success of the programme.
For more information please contact the Tongaat Child Welfare Society on 032 944 1514.
