By More Matshediso
Pretoria - Youth across the Free State province are expected to change their mind-set towards alcohol abuse and gambling after a campaign that will be launched on Wednesday.
The Free State Gambling Authority (FSGA) will launch an awareness campaign to educate youth about dangers associated with alcohol abuse and gambling.
The campaign will be launched in Letsemeng Local Municipality Hall, in Jacobsdal, and later expand to other parts of Free State province.
Jacobsdal Township is situated in a dry Xhariep district, where most youth are unemployed and resort to alcohol in leisure time.
FSGA aims to create an environment where youth can engage in productive and community building activities, in partnership with provincial government departments.
On the day of the event, experts from different industries will talk to youth and community about alcohol abuse and responsible gambling.
Generation Y
Meanwhile, FSGA together with the National Responsible Gambling Programme (NRGP) will host a ‘Generation Y’ youth workshop in Senekal.
The workshop, which will be held on 2 August at Town Hall, will be led under the theme: Your choices today, your heritage.
NRGP is presenting workshops across the country to help youth apply their minds when taking risks related to gambling and alcohol abuse, and life in general.
The workshop is targeting young professionals, especially those who just joined the workforce and university students.
“Studies reveal that young professionals and university students, more than any group, are easily lured by the exaggerated glamour and easy money that gambling is reputed to offer,” the NRGP said in a statement.
Through the workshop, youth in province is set to be empowered with a valuable platform to educate them about some of the social and financial consequences of irresponsible gambling.
Provincial government officials, officials from FSGA and NRGP together with local celebrities will share their personal experiences and considered views on responsible gambling.
Tourism, Economic & Environmental Affairs MEC Msebenzi Zwane will deliver a keynote address on the day. – Sanews.gov.za
