Sports vs. Drug Abuse

Promotion of sports and combatting substance abuse in Khula

Khula is a township area located in Ezulwini. Like many rural and peri-urban communities in the region, it faces several social challenges that affect young people and households — particularly issues linked to substance abuse, gangsterism, and vaping. Substances such as dagga (marijuana), alcohol, and in some cases, harder drugs. Many young people start using these substances due to peer pressure, unemployment, stress, and a lack of recreational or educational opportunities. Substance abuse contributes to poor school performance, early school dropouts, family conflict, and increased petty crime. Local gangs in Khula recruit young boys who are searching for a sense of belonging, protection, or income. These gangs engage in activities like theft, drug dealing, and violent behavior, which create fear and instability in the community.

By focusing on sports as the core activity of the Shooting Stars Sports Foundation and this project, the aim is to create a vibrant and engaging environment for youth while also addressing critical social issues through education and awareness. The 120 children, youths and adolescents will meet every Saturday in the Khula Community to play sports.

Main Objectives of the Project:
1) Motivate young people to do sports and engage with each other:
- target groups (children, youths, adolescents) regularly attend the Saturday Sports Days and are eager to learn new sports and life skills.
2) Prevent/reduce substance abuse and gang involvement:
- Children (<10 years): For children, the focus is on early prevention. Besides sports, where they should have fun, be positively distracted and find friends, schools, families, and community centres are involved to create safe, positive spaces that build children’s confidence and awareness about good choices.
- Youths (11-18 years) already affected: For teenagers already affected by substance use or negative peer influence, the priority is rehabilitation and lifestyle change. Through sports they shall rebuild confidence and find new direction. Through the social components of the sports days information about the effects of drugs and crime will be shared. Through community engagement social ties within the community and the families shall be strengthened, as emotional support also plays a big role in helping young people make healthier decisions.
- Adolescents (19-25 years): a small group (5) of young adults will be encouraged to act as positive role models in their community. Through peer mentoring, volunteering, and leadership programs, they can guide younger children and teens away from drugs and gang activities. When older youths take responsibility, it creates a ripple effect of positive influence throughout the community.

3) Enhance access of target groups to psychosocial support:
- facilitate access to social workers, counsellors, and youth-care professionals within the community.
- raise awareness among families about available services and reducing the stigma around seeking help.

4) Create Supportive Community Networks in Khula:
- build partnerships with local organizations, schools, and law enforcement to create a unified approach to addressing substance abuse, gangsterism, and related issues.
- develop peer support groups and mentorship programs to foster resilience and community solidarity.

Project site

Khula (Ezulwini) (Map)

Beneficiaries

Direct beneficiaries:
Women: 10
Men: 15
Youth < 20 years: 120

Project costs and assistance by sahee

The entire project costs are CHF 7’450.–. The project is fully financed by sahee.

sahee stays in regular contact with the project leaders, monitors the activities and visits the project on site once a year.

Duration of assistance

1st of January 2026 to 31st of December 2026

Local counterpart

Shooting Stars Foundation