By: Our Reporter, Calabar
In a bid to accelerate progress and innovative inclusion for informed decision-making, Mediatrix Development Foundation through her School-based Intervention Program organized 3-day training for 21 students from selected schools in Calabar.
The training which held at MDF’s Head Office in Calabar, Cross River State from the 6th -8th drew participants from Government Girls Secondary School, Big Qua; Government Secondary School, Akai Effa; Government Secondary School, State Housing; Estate Secondary School, Ikot Mbo; Eastern Secondary Commercial School; and West African Peoples Institute (WAPI).
The objective of after-school training program for selected MDF School Club Ambassadors was to increase their basic knowledge and skills needed to cope with the challenges facing young and adolescent school children especially as it affects their general wellbeing.
The curriculum covered areas in Goal-Setting, Decision-Making, Self-Esteem, Negotiation & Refusal Skills, Career Development, Personal and Menstrual Hygiene, School-Related Gender-Based Violence, Sexual and Reproductive Health, human papillomavirus, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Cultism, Drug & Substance Abuse, and other related issues.
The training was led by the Executive Director of MDF, Mr. Olamide Onifade who encouraged the students to see themselves as opportune to be selected to attend the impactful training as the topics are not found in their regular school curriculum stating that the subjects will place them on advantage in their life journeys.
He assured the ambassadors that the training would nurture in them a sense of empowerment, equipping them to face life’s challenges with confidence and knowledge as they progress.
The ambassadors testified of great increase in knowledge on the last day of the training and pledged to replicate and transfer the knowledge gained to other members of their schools and communities.
The ambassadors shared their life experiences and requested the inclusion of most of the topics in the training into the secondary education curriculum and policy to improve child protection in schools especially for the girl-child.
The training came to an end significantly on 8th of March 2024, the International Women’s Day.
The students made various presentations on the theme, “Investing in Women” and the importance of women in society. The 21 MDF ambassadors were presented with certificates of participation.
