Campaign seeks to steer youth away from harm

ARUSHA: THE Arusha Regional Police have launched a campaign to prevent harmful behaviors among young people in the region.

Dubbed “Let’s tell them before they’re ruined,” targets students from pre-school to university level and aims to equip them with essential life skills and moral education.

Recognizing the importance of early intervention, the campaign seeks to equip young people with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed choices and avoid negative influences.

By fostering a positive and supportive environment, the Arusha Police aim to empower students to build strong character and make responsible decisions.

According to recent studies, Arusha, like many other regions in Tanzania, faces challenges such as substance abuse, early pregnancy, and involvement in criminal activities among young people.

These issues can have significant negative impacts on their future prospects and overall well-being.

Speaking during the launch, which saw the participation of over 3,000 attendees, Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mr Frank Mbando, who represented Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda, urged students to take care of themselves and be cautious of peer influence.

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He cautioned them not to engage in harmful behaviours that could negatively impact their lives both now and in the future.

Mr Mbando said that the government’s ongoing investment in education continue to provide fee-free and high-quality education, saying that more than 7bn/- have been disbursed since the sixth phase administration took office.

Arusha’s Gender and Children Desk Officer, Superintendent of Police (SP) Happiness Temu, said that the campaign aims to caution students in preschools, primary and secondary schools, and universities against adopting detrimental behaviours that can hinder their personal growth and academic success.

SP Temu said that the education provided through the campaign would help build a morally upright generation and responsible citizens before they encounter violence and other harmful challenges.

Additionally, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Simon Pasua, Commander of the National Anti-Livestock theft Unit, said that the Police Force’s objective through this campaign is to reach all student groups, from preschool to higher education, and equip them with knowledge to foster self-awareness at an early stage.

The launch of the campaign saw participation from police officers, students from more than 10 schools, representatives from 12 universities, and community members.