With the rise in drug abuse cases, and other risky behaviours among the youth in the country, Ambassadors of Christ has embarked on an extensive anti-drug abuse awareness campaign. The gospel group has organised a concert dubbed, “Dufatane Urunana”, at Kigali Exhibition and Conference Village, on December 16. Moses Kayijuka, the coordinator of the event, said the concert will start at 2pm. Entrance fee is Rwf5000 (regular seats), Rwf10,000 (VIP section), and Rwf200,000 (table of 5-8 people). He noted that the initiative targets young people, parents and community leaders, by encouraging them to be part of the efforts to prevent and end drug/substance abuse in schools, homes and communities. “Our target is to save as many youths as possible from the vice of drug abuse. Though we are coordinating the activity, the issue is everyone’s concern. We encourage everyone to take part in the awareness campaigns to fight the issue completely,” Kayijuka told The New Times in an interview. The event also aims to encourage more partners to join the drive, and raise funds to support the initiative. The show will also feature performances from Shalom and Send Us God choirs. The campaign, which started on July 8, 2017, has been effective in mobilising and enlightening young people about the dangers of substance abuse, sexual misconduct and other risky behaviors, organisers say. During the drive, Ambassadors of Christ visits secondary schools, universities and prisons across the country. The message is delivered through music performances, presentations, and drama. The choir has composed a number of songs for its anti-drug campaign, which include Solange, Ejo Heza and Nugera hakurya, among others. It has conducted about 20 awareness events since 2017, with 10 more concerts slated for next year. Ambassadors of Christ was founded in 1995, and consists of 45 musicians. It has since released 15 albums. The choir is affiliated to the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Remera, Kigali. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
