NCCE NANDOM SENSITIZES CATECHISM CHILDREN ON DRUG ABUSE AND CYBERCRIMES AT ST. THERESA'S MINOR BASILICA

A phone can be a powerful tool for learning, but in the wrong hands, it can also become a doorway to cybercrime. Likewise, experimenting with drugs can have consequences that follow a young person long into the future. Recognising these risks, the Nandom Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has sensitised children at St. Theresa’s Minor Basilica, Nandom, on the dangers of drug and substance abuse and cybercrime.

Held at the Basilica, the engagement brought together children below 17 years, alongside a few adults preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. The initiative sought to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions, resist negative influences and protect themselves from behaviours that could jeopardise their future.

Addressing participants, an officer from the NCCE highlighted substance abuse and cybercrime as two major threats to the well-being and development of young people. On drug and substance abuse, the children were educated on the harmful effects of substances such as marijuana, commonly known as 'wee', kush, tramadol and shisha. They were particularly cautioned that substance abuse could negatively affect their brain development, physical health, academic performance and decision-making abilities, while increasing their vulnerability to harmful behaviours. Participants were consequently encouraged to resist peer pressure and develop the confidence to say “NO” whenever friends or others attempted to persuade them to experiment with drugs.

Turning attention to cybercrime, the NCCE officer cautioned the children against engaging in 'sakawa', online scams and other forms of cybercrime, stressing the importance of responsible internet use. They were also sensitised to the dangers of interacting with strangers online, sharing passwords and Mobile Money (MoMo) PINs, or sending indecent pictures, which could expose them to exploitation and other digital threats.

To reinforce safe online practices, participants were encouraged to observe two essential principles: never disclose personal secrets or sensitive information online and always report frightening, suspicious or inappropriate online encounters to a trusted adult. These precautions, the children were made to understand, are crucial to protecting their privacy, personal safety and dignity in an increasingly digital environment.

As a demonstration of their commitment to the lessons, the children participated in a pledge to protect their bodies, use their phones responsibly, and refrain from drug abuse and 'sakawa'. The exercise reinforced the importance of personal responsibility and encouraged participants to apply the knowledge acquired in their daily lives.

Commending the initiative, the Church Catechists expressed appreciation to the NCCE for engaging the children at an early stage of their development. They acknowledged the importance of early education in shaping responsible behaviour, noting that sustained sensitisation on substance abuse and cybercrime could help nurture disciplined, informed and responsible young people who contribute positively to their communities.

Through such engagements, the NCCE Nandom Municipal Office continues to advance its civic education mandate by empowering young people to make responsible choices, resist negative influences and protect themselves against emerging social and digital threats.