aware.org Targets Underage Drinking During South Africa’s Youth Month
Image Source: aware.org
Published by Everything ZA News
The Association for Alcohol Responsibility and Education (aware.org) is raising the alarm on alcohol misuse and abuse among South African youth. Citing a 2022 Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) study, aware.org highlights the concerning statistic – 30% of South Africans aged 16 and older consume alcohol, with a staggering 90% of these young drinkers engaging in binge drinking (consuming four or more drinks in one sitting).
Leveraging South Africa’s Youth Month celebrations, aware.org is seizing the opportunity to educate young people about the dangers of underage drinking. “It’s deeply troubling to see young people consuming alcohol before the legal age,” says Lebogang Mashigo, a senior program manager at aware.org. “Through our ‘Makers of Tomorrow’ initiative, we aim to empower youth to make responsible choices around alcohol.”
Mashigo emphasizes the significance of using Youth Month as a platform for dialogue. “Youth Day is a time to honor the brave young heroes of the Soweto Uprising,” she says. “This year, we believe the most fitting tribute is to address contemporary issues plaguing today’s youth, like underage drinking.”
aware.org’s campaign plans to engage young people directly, encouraging them to make informed decisions about alcohol consumption. This focus on responsible choices aligns perfectly with the spirit of Youth Month, promoting a future where young South Africans can thrive.
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