iDestiny is a non-profit organisation, which was established in March 2017. They run a programme called Gold Peer 2 Peer at Bloemfontein South High School. The peer educators (35 Grade 9 learners) of Bloemfontein High School decided to start a campaign to raise awareness about substance abuse by adopting the SANCA week challenge as their community upliftment project, in partnership with Aurora Alcohol & Drug Centre. 

The Aurora Alcohol and Drug Center is a non-profit organisation that is committed to the treatment, prevention and awareness of drug dependence within the Free State. With more than 50 years’ experience in this field, it is one of the leading organisations fighting the ever-increasing substance use and abuse rates within the country.

The purpose of the Aurora ‘KICK your HABIT’ Challenge is to raise awareness of the complexities relating to addiction and dependency. The campaign seeks to inform the public about the services available; not only for the drug users but also to the family members and other individuals who support people with substance use disorders.

The campaign seeks to build awareness through experience; by challenging individuals within our communities and country to stop using one ‘thing’ for a week and experience - albeit briefly - what a substance dependent might go through in treatment. With experience comes education and this ‘thing’ is caffeine, tobacco, chocolate, or even shopping, which is entirely up to the individual’s discretion; however, it is important to consider your choice and select the habit that you use on a regular basis.

Keeping a daily online log, or blog of your progress is encouraged, as this will create awareness of the difficulties faced by dependents on a daily basis. Whether this daily log is posted online or is private is your decision, as long as you engage with the challenge. 

We take a step closer to lowering the incidence and rates of substance use within our country when we as citizens of this country work together to build a brighter future for the next generation.

For more information:

Vuyani Mthatha 087 158 3612 / schools@idestiny.org.za 

Rethabile Lenkoe 051 447 4111 / youthcentre@auroracentre.co.za

Renaldo Schwarp spoke to social worker Rethabile Lenkoe of Aurora Alcohol and Drug Centre to find out more. Listen here: