KWSG, UNFPA Commence Training on Establishment of GBV, HTPS Prevention Clubs in 270 Secondary Schools

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The Kwara State Government in Collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has commenced a 5-day training programme for school Counselors across the 16 Local Governments of the state on the establishment of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs) clubs in 270 secondary school in the state.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs) Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade, who spoke on Monday at the training held at Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin, noted that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Harmful Traditional Practices (HTPs) remain major concerns that continue to affect the well-being, education, health and development of many children and young people.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Director, Personnel, Finance and Supply, Alhaji Rasheed Baba Ubandawaki, stated that the training is meant to build the capacity of school counsellors who will serve as focal persons for the establishment and coordination of these clubs in their respective schools. 

Chief Afolashade further explained that participants are expected to establish functional GBV/HTPs Prevention Clubs among both Junior and Senior Secondary School students after the training programme, adding that the clubs will serve as platforms for awareness creation, peer education, advocacy, early identification of risks, positive behavioural change and the promotion of gender equality and human rights.

The Commissioner noted that the programme demonstrates the commitment of the Kwara State Government to protecting the rights, dignity and future of children and young people, saying it is a reflection of the determination of the state government to create safe schools and communities where every child can learn, grow and achieve his or her full potential free from violence, abuse, discrimination and harmful traditional practices.

The Commissioner also commended UNFPA for its continued support in ending GBV and HTPs in the state and stressed that recruiting school counselors to fight against GBV and HTPs as well as establishing school clubs, will go a long way in ending the menace in the state.

The State Focal Person, UNFPA, Mrs Gloria Enueze, said UNFPA is committed to ending GBV and HTPs in the state and encouraged the participants to be attentive  when dealing with students, reiterating that most of them are exposed to various forms of abuse.

Mrs Enueze noted that it is imperative for the school counselors to go beyond the manual and create a clear referral pathway systems for survivors of GBV and HTPs in their respective schools.

The Head of Department, Women Unit, Ilorin West, Alhaja Taiwo Mohammed, commended the Ministry and UNFPA for the initiative and reassured that the programme will bring the needed change in the community to end GBV and HTPs.

The School Counselor, Government Day Secondary School, Amule, Hajia Dupe Muhammed, stated that there is no better time to commence the training for school counselors as there are various forms of harmful practices against student, pointing out that the knowledge gathered during the training will help provide the needed physical and psychological support for the students.


Iyanu Lawal,
Press Secretary,
MOWA.
08037087332

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