For years, many young people in churches across The United Methodist Church’s Mutare District quietly battled drug and substance addiction. Shame, fear of judgment, and lack of safe spaces kept them silent.
Behind the hymns and sermons, some youths felt isolated, unable to share their struggles with parents, teachers or even their pastors. The church community, though caring, often lacked the tools to recognize and respond to these hidden battles.
That began to change with the Pillars & Plants: Prevention, Support, and Empowerment project, funded by General Board of Global Ministries and led by the Africa University Clinical Research Centre. The United Methodist-related school is based in Mutare.
What started in 2018 as a youth-focused initiative has blossomed into a movement of openness, empowerment, and collective responsibility that has helped more than 1,500 youths so far.
Pillars & Plants is designed to empower youths and their “gatekeepers” — parents, teachers, faith leaders, and mentors — with knowledge and skills to build healthier, purpose-driven lives, said Dr. Fadzai N. Mutseyekwa, project lead director at the Africa University Clinical Research Centre.
“The initiative integrates lifestyle medicine, mental health, reproductive health, life-skills training, and spiritual empowerment, guided by Psalm 144:12: ‘Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace,’” Mutseyekwa said.
This holistic approach recognizes that addiction is not just a medical issue but a spiritual, social, and emotional challenge requiring collective effort.
‘A Source of Hope’
With $5,000 earmarked for activities, Pillars & Plants raised awareness of drug and substance abuse by launching art expos at Chinyauhwera High School as well as United Methodist Youth Fellowship song and dance festivals across the Mutare District’s urban and rural circuits, Mutseyekwa said. The district is part of The United Methodist Church’s Zimbabwe East Annual Conference.
Evidence Mwayeka, the community engagement officer for Pillars & Plants, emphasized the theme: “Don’t Let Drugs Get in the Way of Your Dreams.” Instead of traditional lectures, the project uses music, dance, and art to engage young people.
“Youth enjoyed, related to, and remembered the lessons,” said Mwayeka, who also works at the Africa University Clinical Research Centre. “Unlike formal awareness sessions where attention is low, these creative platforms sparked interest and encouraged openness.”
The impact was immediate. Many youth began opening up about their struggles, seeking help and sharing experiences. Church leaders and elders joined in, offering guidance and support. What was once a taboo subject became a shared concern, openly discussed in safe, non-judgmental spaces.
“The project has become a source of hope and transformation for the youths and the church at large,” Mwayeka reflected.
Discovering Hidden Talents
Susan Dzobo, a teacher at Chinyauhwera High School, celebrated how art revealed hidden talents among students. “Clear and powerful messages were sent out through drawings, and we managed to identify talents amongst learners.”
Darven Mutoyi, 16, an art student at the school, outmatched 25 participants to win one of the competitions, held Oct. 16 at Chinyauhwera High School in the Zimunya Central Circuit.
“After understanding the theme ‘Don’t Let Drugs Get in the Way of Your Dreams’ and what I am seeing happening in society in general, I took a pen and paper to send a clear message to the society,” he said.
“I am talented in art, and I took this opportunity to showcase my talent by helping youths like me to stop abusing drugs,” Mutoyi said. He wants to study art and design at Mutare Polytechnic, “if funds permit,” he said.
Music became a powerful tool. Bongani Musamire of the Gwese Circuit composed “Stop Drug and Substance Abuse,” inspired by Proverbs 20:1: “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”
His song tackled myths about drug abuse and painted vivid images of its consequences: lifeless youths on the streets, vulnerable girls exploited, and the urgent call to stop “guka” (crystal methamphetamine) and “ganja” (cake with drugs).
The chorus echoed a collective plea: “Stop drug and substance abuse; you’ll die early; you’ll fail in life; you’ll suffer, my dear friends.”
A Shared Responsibility
Competitions help young people discover and develop their talents, boosting self‑esteem and providing alternative life goals, Mutindori said. “These competitions enable youths to uncover their gifts, strengthen their confidence, and pursue life goals that may lead to careers in the arts.”
He further highlighted the wider community benefits. “It brings the schools, families, and community members together, fostering unity and shared responsibility in addressing drug abuse.”
“Reduced drug use promoted discipline, teamwork, and respect,” Mutindori said, “while also leading to healthier youths, a more productive workforce, and greater opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship in the arts.”
Your Generosity Supports Educational Efforts
By supporting the World Service Fund apportionment, you help agencies like General Board of Global Ministries provide scholarships for students in colleges and universities including seminaries. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the World Service Fund Apportionment at 100 percent.
excerpt from a story Kudzai Chingwe, communicator for The United Methodist Church’s Zimbabwe East Annual Conference.
This story shows the impact of the World Service Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to connect our hearts and resources in mission around the world. Through this fund, the Church supports global ministries, discipleship, evangelism, education, and social justice work that transform lives and communities. Together, we share the love of Christ across boundaries and bring hope where it’s needed most.
When your church contributes faithfully to the World Service Fund, you help the whole Church live out God’s mission in every place.
