Pubdate: Mon, 17 Jan 2005 Source: Namibian, The (Namibia) Copyright: 2005 The Namibian. Contact: http://www.namibian.com.na/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2904 Author: Luqman Cloete Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) YOUTH FALLING VICTIM TO DRUGS, ALCHOHOL Windhoek KEETMANSHOOP -- THE Senior Youth Development Officer at Luderitz, Jan Scholtz, says addressing the impact of illegal drugs and alcohol abuse will be his office's priority this year. Scholtz says drug trafficking is on the increase in the South and shebeen owners allow minors access to their premises. He urged shebeen owners to adhere to regulations that prohibit children from entering shebeens. Failure to do this results in minors becoming victims of alcohol, he said. Due to a shortage of social workers, young people are not receiving the necessary counselling, Scholz added. His office plans to establish programmes to equip school leavers with business skills so that they can earn a living despite the lack of formal job opportunities in the region. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl