Awareness of the dangers of substance abuse
and gender violence at tertiary institutions
was the focus of a campaign by the Department
of Social Development.
Photo: Siobhan Canavan

Awareness of the dangers of substance abuse and gender violence at tertiary institutions was the focus of a campaign by the Department of SocialDevelopment.

Pierre Viviers from the Department said the link between abuse of alcohol and illegal drugs and violence against women at tertiary institutions was of great concern.

During the recent first-year Gateway Programme at the University of the Free State (UFS), the Department manned an exhibition stand in the EBW Auditorium. Viviers, who was at the exhibition, said the campaign was committed to educate and create awareness of the dangers of substance abuse and gender-based violence.

“The Department wants to make students aware of the dangers of substance abuse and violence. The campaign emphasises the link between substance abuse and violent behaviour against women and children,” Viviers said.

As part of the Gateway Programme, the Beyers Naudé Residence hosted its musical theatre production, Coming of Age, a work that looks at the name-change process and the growing-pains of change.

Emme-Lancia Faro, Head of Madelief Residence, said it was important to remember that the UFS was a place that flourished on human interaction, a place where you will meet people different from yourself.

“We need to embrace one another in order to move forward. In our residence, we are trying to create a space that is unique, where every student can just be themselves,” Faro said.