Lloyd Shain Trust Fund launched
Sibonginkosi Mpofu
A Trust Fund aimed at curtailing drug and substance abuse as well as teenage pregnancies has been launched in Nketa, Bulawayo.
Lloyd Shain Trust Fund aims to accelerate progress in reducing drug and substance abuse among youths and teenage pregnancies by providing life-changing skills, deliver assistance to the needy and fund education for the less fortunate.
The fund will mobilize resources from donors and fulfill the vision mainly focused on the suburb.
Speaking at the launch, co-founder and director of the Lloyd Shain Trust Fund, Lloyd Shain Chikowo said “My story of lacking funding to nurture my talent gave me the zeal to observe where things go wrong nowadays.
Growing up in the streets of Nketa, interacting with my peers and many young people made me realize the need to intervene and stop the abuse of drugs and alcohol. The girl child as well must not be deprived a chance to advance and fulfill her dreams.”
The director of the Trust Fund Mthabisi Moyo empasized that the fund is a non-political organization but has the youths at heart.
” There are a lot of opportunities for young people that they need to be made aware of and partake in building a better nation and being responsible citizens. Therefore, this fund will ensure the youths are made aware of the possibilities tailored at making their dreams come true.” he said.
Anorld Batirai the councillor of ward 24 is delighted at the initiative as it has youths and teenagers at heart.
“We are happy to have people like Lloyd who still value the youth’s future and we as a community, welcome the initiative. As a sign of appreciation and embracing the cause, I have chipped in to make a once-off school fees funding for 100 under privileged children from the community. We hope the aim of the trust fund will remain alive to see the youth live to fulfill their dreams,” said Batirai
Drug rehabilitation centres are estimated to be holding or treating about 5000 people at any time, with thousands of others that are either in denial of the need to be assisted or not coming forward.
On the other hand, battles keep rising as the country faces a rise in teenage pregnancy with atleast 700 underage girls who where reported to have fallen pregnant and gave birth in 2022 according to the Zimbabwe Statistical Agency.
While the need to improve livelihoods of youths and the upcoming generations to prevent the rise of drug and substance abuse as well as teenage pregnancies, targeted efforts have not been adequately funded or successful to reduce numbers.
“With all the support people are giving, I hope the Trust Fund will achieve its goals with young people fully participating. The work has already begun and it’s time to make a difference and secure a better community” said Chikowo.
In appreciation of the community’s positive feedback, the Trust Fund handed out food parcels to the elderly.
