Dokolo, Uganda | Students of St. Francis Vocational Training School in Dokolo Town Council have been urged to reject drug abuse, early pregnancies, negative peer influence and other risky behaviours in order to secure a brighter future during a mentorship programme organised by Platform for Community Empowerment (PLACE) in partnership with Dokolo District Local Government.
Addressing the students, PLACE Executive Director Franchise Osika called on learners to value and respect their parents, saying the way children relate with their parents can either encourage or emotionally burden them. He also urged students to respect their teachers and appreciate the guidance they receive, noting that discipline and obedience are essential for academic excellence and personal growth.
Osika warned students against drug abuse, describing it as a destructive vice that ruins talents, limits opportunities, and derails promising futures. He also cautioned learners against associating with negative peer groups, saying such influences often expose young people to sexual immorality, crime, and other life-threatening behaviours. He further encouraged students to dress decently, set clear life goals, and remain focused on achieving their dreams.
Community Liaison Officer Moses Ogwal appealed to students to avoid early marriages, stressing that marriage should only be considered when individuals are mature, financially stable, and capable of supporting their families. He urged learners to remain focused on their education despite challenges at home, saying academic success remains the most reliable pathway to transforming their lives and uplifting their families. Ogwal also challenged students to develop a clear vision for their future, warning that a lack of purpose often pushes young people into exploitative relationships with older partners.
Medical Clinical Officer Ambrose Ogwang, popularly known as Awitong, cautioned students against engaging in sexual activities at a young age, warning that such behaviour exposes them to HIV/AIDS, gonorrhoea, syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections. He advised learners to seek medical attention promptly whenever they fall ill instead of delaying treatment, saying early diagnosis greatly improves health outcomes.
Ogwang further encouraged students to maintain balanced diets, eat fruits regularly, and observe proper personal hygiene to strengthen their immunity and prevent avoidable illnesses. He also warned against drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, and abortion, saying the practices pose serious health risks and can even result in death.
Rev. Bernard Oribo urged learners to avoid early pregnancies and romantic relationships while in school, saying such distractions interfere with learning and expose students to unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and poor academic performance. He challenged the students to safeguard their future by making responsible decisions today.
Speaking on behalf of the school, Apio Minca Sheba urged students to put into practice the lessons shared during the mentorship programme. She commended PLACE and Dokolo District Local Government for organising what she described as a timely initiative that equips learners with practical life skills, and appealed for the programme to be sustained to nurture disciplined, responsible and future-oriented citizens.
