Zinto dances their anti-drugs message into schools

The launch will take place on Tuesday, 13 April 2010 at Nu Metro, Monte Casino and will signal the start of the pilot phase of the project running throughout Gauteng. Once additional funding and sponsorship have been secured, the campaign will rollout nationally.

According to George Pappas of Westsiders, "It has been estimated that 15 percent of the South African population are addicted to some form of drug, this amounts to 7.5 million people. The recently released United Nations World Drug Report names South Africa as one of the drug capitals of the world and studies have shown that drug addiction leads to poverty, violence and crime. While the government budgets for health issues such as HIV, nothing is set aside for drug addiction education. One in two school children admit to having experimented with drugs and alcohol and with children as young as eight becoming involved in drugs, schools are the ideal forum to tackle the problem head-on."

Avakia to head the roadshow

SA's Got Talent runner-up, beat boxer George Avakia, will head up the roadshow. Having matriculated only a year ago, he understands the demands facing learners including peer pressure and the environment in which drugs exist but made the choice to resist. "The campaign is about having choices, letting learners know that they are not alone and that drugs are the first step to destroying their future," said Avakian.

Together with a group of talented Zinto dancers, the Dance Against Drugs team will use a face-to-face interactive medium to engage and involve their young audience, triggering emotion and discussion. Dance instils confidence, promotes self-esteem, self-discipline and helps to channel anger and boredom in a positive way.

The edutainment campaign, which will culminate in a dance competition for all the schools involved, aims to enhance Westsiders' current activities. For the past two years, Westsiders have visited schools to educate and counsel on the risks of substance abuse.

Speaking the kids' language

"Dance Against Drugs speaks the language that the youth understand; they can interact with the dancers some of whom have their own stories of drug abuse to share. Moreover, Zinto has always been focused on identifying and nurturing talent, while imparting a significant message. The new campaign may help to uncover some hidden talent giving some of these kids alternate opportunities to pursue in the future," comments Michelle Combrinck, CEO of Zinto Marketing Group.

The campaign will be reinforced through a Peer Education Programme, which has been identified by parents, teachers and learners as an appropriate tool to educate young people about drug and alcohol abuse.

"Dance Against Drugs is an ideal opportunity for corporate business to invest in the future of this country by investing in the youth," concludes Combrinck.

Anyone interested in attending the launch can contact Gail Mayers on or +27 (0) 11 021 8292/3.

For more information go to www.zinto.co.za.