A group of High school girls were treated to a high tea to thank them for the work they are doing in fighting substance abuse in their communities.
Hosted by Radio Tygerberg at its Parow offices on Friday 1 September, the 39 girls were treated on the theme “Bloom as you are”. The event was meant to be held in August for Women’s Day but had been delayed due to the deadly taxi strike.
The girls are all peer leaders with Apisa (Awareness Programmes in Substance Abuse), which is present at Cedar, Tafelsig, Beacon Hill and Glendale high schools. It works with both boys and girls.
“We attended their graduation, and it moved my heart so much I thought this is something we definitely wanted to get involved in,” said the station’s Breakfast Show host and project coordinator, Rouchelle Liedermann.
“They do amazing work. This event is just to showcase what people can achieve, also turning it into an afternoon of being spoiled, showing them these girls they are worth it and amazing.”
After leaving an allegedly abusive marriage, Apisa founder Shireen Prins initially wanted to open a safe house for victims of domestic violence.
“I started the organisation in 2018. I came out of an alcohol-fuelled abusive marriage and wanted to open a shelter, but God showed me a different direction.
“I started working in outpatient facilities, which is where I saw the need first-hand. I also worked in the HIV field, but it is difficult to involve families there.
“You need to respect the patient and their privacy. In substance abuse, you can really involve the families.”
Apisa has nine board members including school principals, Western Cape Department of Education officials, social workers, doctors and lawyers.
The criteria for joining the programme as a peer counsellor is to be a role model for their peers and be strong enough to deal with the issues they encounter along the way.
“They cannot use any substances, because they need to be role models for their peers,” said Lierdermann. “They then participate in a two-day workshop and we cover many things – substance abuse, HIV, mental health issues, depression, domestic violence and every other problem encountered in the community.
“They see all these problems first hand in the community and sometimes it starts at home. They may have an aunt or brother who is using drugs. and they see what the families are going through.”
There are more instances of drug abuse than any other substance, but alcohol abuse among teens at schools has also been identified as a growing concern, says Prins.
Zeenat Grey from Beacon Hill High says the programme gave her a boost of confidence.
“I was new to the school last year and my teacher was very encouraging, telling me I would be good at this programme. The programme is very inspiring. I really came out of my shell during the programme,” she says.
Dhaakirah Ariefdien, Also from Beacon Hill says: “I come from a community where drugs is a problem. When we heard about the programme, I was usually one to stand up and help others, so I was asked to join the programme.”
For Tafelsig High learner, Shajiera Cassiem, the workshop has helped open her eyes to how to better deal with drug abuse.
“I have an aunt who is on drugs. I always talk to her about the programme. It is a good help. At a young age, you want to try stuff, like starting to smoke, but I realised this was not for me. From cigarettes, you try other things.”
Marceline Job from Cedar High agrees. “I know more about substance abuse. In society, we tend to deem some substances as more acceptable than others. Some refer to weed as a herb. I did not really know there were any effects, people always said it was just a herb.
“I studied more about substances and how they affect the body. I have been able to share this knowledge with others, especially with my classmates.”
Tameeca Saunders from Tafelisg High says the message travels outside the school borders.
“Living in Tafelsig, drug abuse is common. It is great to learn about this at this age. I can help others by telling them drugs are not the way to solve your problems. I want to help so that they don’t see drugs as an outlet.”
Varnia Terry from Cedar High says: “When I was younger I was bullied a lot because I was quiet and shy, and lacked the confidence to speak up for myself. I wanted something to show me the way to help others.
“The project sounded interesting and I wanted to know more. The second I stepped into the hall, I felt so comfortable. I realised that I can make a difference in my community, household, school and class, as well.”
Prins said Apisa wishes to branch out, but owing to lack of funding cannot move out of Mitchell’s Plain. All schools need it in the Western Cape because substance abuse is a problem in all communities.
“Sometimes there is no money for taxis, so I walk to the schools. I don’t have a car there are many challenges, but I do this because the kids need it. I would like to do more schools. There is even a need for interventions at primary schools, but I do not have a programme for little ones, yet.
“It starts with the little ones because when I do puppet shows at creches, the children of three, four or five can tell you how their mothers drink, and show you exactly how to shoot up heroin or tik. They witness this.”
Her programme currently focuses on Grade 9 and 10 learners. The impact of the Covid-19 disruption is still evident in these learners, she says, creating an additional challenge.
