Nyaope survivor educates youth

Lucky Bakker (24) who hails from Kanyamane, is a recovered nyaope addict and says he has big dreams to educate the youth about the dangers of drugs.

Lucky Bakker educating the youth on the use of drugs. PHOTO SUPPLIED

Bakker was a drug addict since he was 14 years old but eventually decided to turn his life around when he turned 20 in 2013.
“I was inspired by the show on Ligwalagwala FM that helps a lot of people with the same problem as what I had. I decided to put an end to my drug addiction. It was a case of enough is enough,” said Bakker.
Bakker was later admitted to the Swartfontein Rehabilitation Centre in White River for three months where he turned his life around.
In 2015, he graduated from the Cicit College in Kanyamazane as a business administrator. He added that during his spare time, he educates the youth in his community about the dangers of drugs. Currently he and a group of 50 youth are running the Vukalusha Arts and Culture group based in Kanyamazane.
He said he has big dreams to educate more people and share his own experience so that they do not make the same mistakes.
“My dream is to educate people, especially the youth about the dangers of using drugs. Young people have the power to make a huge change in the society and using drugs will destroy them,” he explained.
Bakker’s mother, Elizabeth Mdawe (53) said she was always worried when Bakker was using drugs and she faced a lot of difficulties as a parent.
“I never gave up on him. He was always in my prayers and I thank God now that he is a better person and he is helping other people who are using drugs,” said Mdawe.

*This article was written by Beatrice Shongwe, a journalist of TWNA for Kasi Express.