GPI Calabar Extends Life Skills, SRHR Outreach to Akpabuyo School
By Ekanem Asuquo
As part of efforts to broaden its reach and equip more young people with critical life skills and relevant information, Girls Power Initiative GPI Calabar on Wednesday extended its outreach programme to students of St. Patrick Secondary School in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The outreach was aimed at empowering students with knowledge on life skills, gender issues and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights SRHR to support informed decision making and promote positive behavioural change among adolescents.
Speaking during the programme, Comfort Umoh, a facilitator and volunteer with GPI Calabar, said the engagement formed part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to reaching adolescents early with accurate and age appropriate information to help them navigate social pressures and life challenges responsibly. She encouraged the students to speak freely during the sessions and take advantage of the safe learning environment provided.
The programme also featured an interactive session on vision and goal setting facilitated by Arit Bassey, a facilitator and Child Safeguarding Officer with GPI Calabar. She emphasised the importance of self awareness, clear goal setting and safeguarding oneself from harmful influences, noting that informed choices are essential for personal growth and protection.
Bassey further reassured the students of GPI’s strong child safeguarding framework, stressing that the organisation prioritises the safety, dignity and well being of every child engaged in its programmes.
She commended the students for their active participation throughout the session, demonstrated through questions and the sharing of personal concerns on issues where they required more information and guidance. She described the engagement as interactive and impactful, noting the level of openness and enthusiasm displayed by the students.
Highpoints of the outreach included a comprehensive needs assessment which identified key issues and areas of concern among the students. These ranged from drug and substance abuse, interpersonal relationships and bullying to witchcraft branding, molestation and sexually transmitted infections.
According to the organisers, findings from the assessment will guide the focus of subsequent engagements with the students. GPI Calabar reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining youth focused advocacy and education programmes across Cross River State aimed at empowering young people with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed life decisions, promote gender equality and safeguard their rights.
