Designing a Framework to Address the Problem of Drug and Substance Abuse by Street Children in Harare

Abstract

Drug abuse is becoming an increasing problem in Zimbabwe. The study looked at designing a framework to address the problem of substance abuse by street children residing mostly in the streets of Harare. The broader aim of the study was to assess the emerging trends, of drug use amongst street children and to identify the strategies that can be implemented to mitigate the challenge of substance abuse. The study employed the explanatory research design. The research was more qualitative in nature and employed direct interviews and focused group discussion for data collection. The research employed the principle of data saturation whereby a sample of 15 street children was sampled. The symbolic interactionist perspective underpinned the nature of the study. Research findings highlighted that street children had moved from abusing glue, and are now using emerging illicit drugs such as blue diamond, mangemba, bronclee, maragada, musombodia, codeine, high alcohol liquors such as blue diamond and cane spirit. The study further revealed information to the effect that drug dealers and some sophisticated syndicate leaders now employ street children to sell drugs and substances hence this has aided drug availability at the same increasing vulnerability of the street children to drugs and substances. The study can safely reveal that a new culture now exists on the streets, where one cannot survive in the streets without abusing drugs. Drug and substance abuse is driving them into unsafe sexual practices leading to STIs, HIV and pregnancy. Crimes related to drugs have become normal, car breakings, muggings, handbag snatching, shop lifting, jewellery snatching. A holistic approach to the challenges through engaging everyone the government private players the street children and parents is key in drawing solutions to the problem. The issue of policy can never be over emphasized as policy requires implementation and action. If drugs and substance abuse is not managed and controlled the youth suffers, the future is destroyed. Drugs education and information is key to the problem to everyone.