By Fidelis Manyange

THE Roman Catholic St Patricks Parish of Domboramwari in Epworth recently held many activities to mix and mingle as well as educate youths on the dangers of drug abuse.
The place, formerly used by nyau or gule dancers before the Church bought it from the Local Board to build its only Church in Epworth, has now become a centre of attraction.
The Church was built at the foot of the popular Domboramwari.
Youths were engaged in many activities encouraging them to keep away from crime and drug abuse.
These included choir competitions, fundraising in the form of food and drink sales, educating the youths on various life challenges and mixing and mingling.
“The money we are getting from this fundraising is going to go a long way in the construction of a precast wall at our new stand where we are going to build another church in Epworth’s Overspill,” said Father Zevier Murambiwa.
“Currently, there is only one centre, which is Domboramwari Parish, serving the whole of Epworth and, as you can see, this place is overwhelmed.
“Some of the proceeds from today’s fundraising are going to be used on floor tiling this Domboramwari church and other touch-ups
“As we preach the gospel, we also tirelessly preach against drug abuse among our youth because they hold the future of the country and without the youths, the future of the country is doomed. So, safeguarding them from the dangers of drugs and substance abuse through events like these is vital.”
Father Murambiwa said they are also engaging members of the community to expose drug peddlers and drug lords.
“As a Church, we are, from time to time, encouraging the family to be intact so that it becomes easy to identify, share and tackle problems,” he said.
“We want to go back to the traditional family structure in which every member played his or her role honestly, respectfully and appropriately.”
The Church is also establishing a football team to keep youths entertained and away from crime and drugs.
The event also saw some parishiners who had recently attended a youth safeguarding workshop being awarded certificates.