Egerton University office of students’ affairs has established a Drug and Substance Abuse Support Group in a bid to boost the fight against problem of drugs and substance abuse challenges among the students community.
The University’s Students Counsellor Matata Muthoka while addressing a group of students’ leaders, peer counsellors, clubs and societies’ leaders and class representatives on Monday at the students’ affairs office board room in Njoro Main Campus during an induction session, observed that peer pressure and negative influences is the key cause of drugs and substance abuse among many University students in the country.
He told the students leaders to volunteer becoming members of the new initiative because their experience and proximity to individual and students groups in campus would be helpful in the efforts directed towards fighting the ever rising high rates of alcohol and drugs abuse.
“Your closeness to your colleagues in campus is helpful in this initiative and I urge you to be part of the support group. You can easily identify and approach individuals or groups in your class, club or hostel who are affected by this problem. You can help or bring them forward for further assistance,’’ said Muthoka.
He added that participants in the initiative will gain experience and knowledge on alcohol and substance abuse counselling, which he says will be a plus to their work experience.