14/06/2026
๐๐๐ ๐๐ผ๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ต๐ผ๐น๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐บ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฌ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ด ๐ช๐ผ๐บ๐ฒ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ ๐ ๐ผ๐ด๐ผ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ป๐ถ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ต๐ผ๐ผ๐น
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) yesterday joined various stakeholders and community partners at a Girls Empowerment Workshop hosted by Ohana Foundation at Mogoditshane Senior Secondary School. The initiative sought to empower young women with knowledge, practical life skills, and the confidence to make informed decisions while addressing challenges that affect their safety, well-being, and future aspirations.
The event provided a platform for participants to engage on a range of topics, including gender-based violence (GBV), self-esteem, emotional well-being, online safety, and substance use prevention.
Representing the Drug Enforcement Agency, officers delivered a presentation on Alcohol, Drug use and Risky Behaviour Awareness, highlighting the dangers associated with substance use and the long-term impact it can have on a young person's health, education, relationships, and future aspirations. The presentation focused on equipping learners with the knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions and resist negative influences.
Learners were encouraged to recognise situations that may expose them to drugs, alcohol, and other risky behaviours and were provided with practical strategies for handling peer pressure. DEA officers emphasised the importance of confidently saying "No" when faced with harmful choices and remaining steadfast in that decision without feeling the need to seek approval from others.
The Agency further encouraged learners to build positive support networks, pursue healthy lifestyles, and seek guidance from trusted adults whenever confronted with challenges.
Other presentations during the workshop included a session by Ms. Kemmy Mpinang of Rea Bua Foundation, who addressed personal safety, gender-based violence, and healthy boundaries. She highlighted that perpetrators can be anyone, including family members, teachers, acquaintances, or strangers, and cautioned learners against manipulation tactics often used by abusers. Ms. Mpinang explained that perpetrators may offer gifts or other incentives to gain trust, silence victims, and discourage them from reporting abuse. Learners were encouraged to report abuse, support victims, and contribute towards breaking the cycle of violence in their communities.
A presentation by Ms. Boitumelo Pauline Marumo focused on self-esteem, emotional well-being, and healthy identity, encouraging participants to recognise their value, embrace their uniqueness, and develop resilience in the face of life's challenges.
The workshop concluded with a presentation by Ms. Tsaone Sparkle Bedi on online safety and digital responsibility. She encouraged learners to use social media positively and responsibly while remaining mindful of the risks associated with online interactions. Ms. Bedi cautioned against sharing personal information, photographs, and other sensitive details with strangers online, reminding learners that not everyone on social media is who they claim to be. She further encouraged participants to think carefully before posting content online and to use digital platforms in ways that protect their safety, dignity, and future opportunities.
The Drug Enforcement Agency remains committed to working with schools, communities, and partner organisations to promote prevention, build resilience among young people, and contribute to the creation of safer and healthier communities.
