Councillor worried about drug and alcohol abuse in schools

ENZO AMUELEOTJIWARONGOThe constituency councillor of Otjiwarongo, Marlene Mbakera, has expressed concern about drug and alcohol abuse at two primary schools in Otjiwarongo.According to Mbakera learners at these schools sell drugs and alcohol on the schoolgrounds and in hostels.“It has come to our attention that learners in our schools are using drugs and selling illegal substances such as sachets of whiskey on school premises and hostels and this raises serious concern about discipline in our schools,” she said.She has written a letter to the regional education director requesting a meeting with the school board chairpersons and principals of all schools in the constituency.She added that they will reach out to other schools in the region and also meet with the police and social workers.“We need to find a drastic way to stop what is starting to happen in our schools,” Mbakera said.The superintendent of one of the primary school hostels in Otjiwarongo confirmed these illegal activities on the premises.“Two boys were caught with sachets of whiskey, which are illegal in Namibia, at the hostel. We brought in the police to get to the bottom of where the learners got the sachets from. It turned out to be one of the street vendors who sold these sachets to underage children,” she said.Parental involvementMbakera urged parents to search their children’s bags and closely monitor behavioural changes in their children.She added that teachers need support, as teaching is becoming difficult in these circumstances.The constituency hopes that disciplinary action will be taken against learners found selling illegal substances on school premises.Mbakera added that the regional government will work together with parents and law enforcement to ensure that drugs are kept of schools.“We will not tolerate drugs, alcohol and illegal substances in schools and we will do everything in our power to kick drugs out of school premises and hostels,” she concluded.

Councillor worried about drug and alcohol abuse in schools

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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Councillor worried about drug and alcohol abuse in schools

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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