The impact of SANCA's ICAN programme on substance abuse
Juleiga Davids with her son, Moosa, who took part in SANCA’s ICAN programme at Heideveld Primary School.
Image: Marsha Bothma
The South African National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence (SANCA) Western Cape completed the final leg of their ICAN (Inspiring Change and Nurturing) programme, aimed at addressing substance abuse among pupils and supporting communities.
The initiative, run in partnership with various support organisations and local schools, provides guidance, counselling, and practical interventions for pupils, teachers, and parents facing drug-related challenges.
Margo Koch, manager at SANCA Western Cape, said the programme supports anyone affected by substance abuse, from pupils to adults.
“We help with substance abuse issues and provide advice, support, and assistance to anyone in need,” she said.
Margo Koch, manager of SANCA Western Cape, with principal Rosdien Desai of Heideveld Primary School, at the final WECare session of the ICAN programme addressing substance abuse in schools.
Image: Marsha Bothma
This year, Heideveld Primary School was named ICAN School of the Year, with 20 pupils participating, she said.
The programme included individual and group sessions with a social worker, a parent programme, and workshops for teachers. The final phase, called WECare, involved the wider community in raising awareness and addressing substance abuse at a local level.
This phase took place on Wednesday, September 10, at Heideveld Primary School.
Pupils from Heideveld Primary and Heideveld High, Willows Primary, St Theresa’s Primary, Dagbreek Primary, and Welcome Primary at the final WECare session of SANCA’s ICAN programme on Wednesday September 10, participating in workshops addressing substance abuse.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Schools participating in the final session were Heideveld Primary and Heideveld High, Willows Primary, St Theresa’s Primary, Dagbreek Primary, and Welcome Primary.
Heideveld Primary principal Rosdien Desai said: “As the coordinator of the Heideveld Safety Cluster, we involve everyone because we cannot turn a blind eye. A significant number of pupils are affected by drugs abuse. By educating them at school level, we can prevent serious harm.”
Reyhaad Abrahams, coordinator and safety officer at Heideveld Primary, said: “Pupils face challenges being exposed to drugs in their communities and homes. Some substances are disguised as sweets or muffins, and children are starting at a younger age. Engaging parents and pupils is essential to curb this trend and educate them."
Parent Juleiga Davids said attending the workshops with her son, Moosa, has shown positive results. “Since joining the programme, Moosa has changed a lot. He’s showing me what he is learning, and the work SANCA does really helps children."
Ms Koch said their clients’ ages have dropped from 17 to as young as nine years old, with schools across Paarl, Bellville, and Athlone seeing increasing cases among younger pupils.
“Drug peddlers are targeting younger children, which requires a national effort and the support of schools through extracurricular programmes to change mindsets,” she said.
Moosa, 15, said: “I learned I must not do drugs. The programme has helped me.”
For more information, visit the SANCA Athlone office at 157 Lower Klipfontein Road, Gatesville, on the same premises as the Cape Town Child Welfare Society building, or call 021 638 5116.