ASSISTING ADDICTS GET OVER DRUGS AND BETTER THEIR LIVES

By: Monono Kgothatso

Twitter: Austhatsow_98

Email: qthatsow98@gmail.com

picture sourced from: Aga Sechaba Facebook page

Aga sechaba beneficiaries during one of the development programmes.

 Aga Sechaba community project is a program for the people by the people. It is a Non-Profit Organisation registered under social development. It specialises with recovering drugs addicts. The project is based in Ga- Rankuwa, Pretoria.

 Aga Sechaba conveys the following services to its beneficiaries, drugs and substance abuse awareness, prevention of addiction, helps prepare for rehab and after care program.

There are skills development programmes such as computer, security training, life skills training and nutrition program.

Nutrition program has just been introduced recently. The program offers free daily meals from Monday to Friday to all the beneficiaries.

picture sourced from: Aga Sechaba Facebook page 

Karabo Bokaba, Aga Sechaba computer instructor said that he is assisting at Aga Sechaba mainly because he has been through what the Aga Sechaba beneficiaries are going through.

“I want these people to better their lives and be able to sustain themselves. I believe if I was able to do it, they too can,” he added.

Aga Sechaba gives people a second chance at life. Benjamin Khasi, who is now a recovered drug addict and a support group leader mentioned that since he has been in the shoes of drug substances, he figured it would be best to have a support group.                                                               

The support group was initiated to support those having difficulties with drugs throughout the journey of bettering themselves.

 “Working at Aga Sechaba is giving me the oomph because it is reintegrating me back to the society. And I am hoping to help those in need as I have also been helped,” said Benjamin Khasi.

picture sourced from: Aga Sechaba Facebook page
Recovering drug addicts attending the support group 

One of the beneficiaries in Aga Sechaba shortly shared his journey, “I used drug substances for quite some time, I have been on weed, crystal and others. I relapsed more than six times and Aga Sechaba helped me and took me to rehab. I feel a lot better now and I am still attending support group at Aga Sechaba with a hope to fully recover,” said Tsakane Shilenge.

Not only is Aga Sechaba offering its services, but they help those who have fully recovered integrate with the community and help them seek job opportunities and assist them in terms of obtaining certain skills.

Karabo Bokaba, computer instructor at Aga Sechaba shortly explains how Aga Sechaba  community project was initiated. Below is the link:

                                                                                 https://on.soundcloud.com/FJg6frq6zkWsWqDH6