PILE – Alcoholism, drug abuse, prostitution and a high crime rate forced the youth of Pile village, near Tshandama, to come together to form their own organization, Pile Youth League (PYL), to tackle those problems. Members of the PYL gathered at the local church on Saturday, to share ideas on health, education, crime and other social issues.

Different stakeholders who addressed the youths include representatives from the SAPS, the Mutale Victim Empowerment Programme (MVEP), the Departments of Health and Education and the local clergymen. All the speakers encouraged the youths to take education seriously and distance themselves from unbecoming behaviours like drug abuse and crime.

“Realizing that there is a high crime rate in our village, we felt it was very important to call the youths together so that we could share ideas on how we can train them to become responsible members of society. It lies on our shoulders to shape this community into fruitful individuals who will serve it with pride. We also aim at conducting road shows about the dangers of HIV/AIDS and unprotected sex,” said PYL Chairperson, Lufuno Rathogwa.

Rathogwa added that PYL had done several workshops in the past. “We have been engaged in workshops of this nature for the past few months and we have already seen the good results that our community is reaping. We cannot sit and watch while alcohol, drugs and prostitution continue to wipe out our brothers and sisters.”

During the function, the youths also took part in debate, drama, poetry and modern dances.