Terence Miselo
Bittersweet Poetry co-ordinated by renowned comedian Kapembwa Wanjelani last Saturday converged at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre for a special poetry and debate session to tackle drug abuse in the country.
The event supported by the Drug Enforcement Commission(DEC) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) among others brought together poets and spectators from different communities and schools in Lusaka to exchange intellectual notes, emotions and education on the drug abuse problem among the youth.
This was purely an entertainment, information and communication programme that was designed to help young people have their say on the matter. Young and upcoming poets entertained the audience with their well-themed and prepared pieces of poetry meant to educate people on the vice.
Different groups were represented including schools such as Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe, Chinika School and Chalo Trust to mention only a few. The schools and other independent groups and individuals poetically shared their concerns on drug abuse. Their presentations were anchored by the initiator Kapembwa himself. Kapembwa ran the show which was graced by D.E.C Commissioner Ms Alita Mbahwe and UNODC Country representative Sharon Nyambe.
The two expressed great appreciation on the commitment from the youths, and their desire to fight drug abuse. Both pledged to support such programmes that are very engaging and youth-friendly.
The show was even more heightened when Kapembwa’s partner Kayster of the Mkushi Accents stormed the stage for a short freestyle poetry performance.
