By Benard Worlali Awumee
Anloga (V/R), May 13, GNA – Plan International, in partnership with Developers Net, has organised a capacity-building workshop for peer educators on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and youth leadership in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region.
The workshop, held at Agbakofe, brought together more than 40 teenagers selected from various communities and schools across the district, alongside their coordinators and chaperones.
It forms part of the “Youth Empowered to Thrive” project.
Held under the theme: “Strengthening Peer Educators’ Capacity on SRHR, SGBV and Youth Leadership,” the programme aimed to equip participants with knowledge, leadership skills and practical strategies to address issues relating to sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence and civic responsibility within their communities.
Training sessions included sensitisation programmes, interactive discussions, practical simulations and group engagements to deepen participants’ understanding and empower them to promote positive behavioural change among their peers.
Mr Seth Nyagorme, South Tongu District Director of the National Commission for Civic Education, who facilitated a session on youth leadership and civic responsibility, urged participants to remain focused on their education while developing themselves into responsible future leaders.
He encouraged them to take advantage of the knowledge gained during the programme to make informed decisions and contribute positively to society.
The workshop was organised with support from the Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health Service, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), and the Social Welfare Department in the South Tongu District.
Participants were drawn from seven communities, namely Larve, Dzogborve, Kpotame, Atsieve, Xikpo, Agbogbla and Agbakofe.
Miss Abigail Dotsey, a midwife with Developers Net, led sessions on SRHR, educating participants on adolescent health, personal safety and appropriate responses to sensitive reproductive health issues.
Madam Gifty, South Tongu District Director of DOVVSU, also urged participants to speak up and report all forms of violence, abuse and intimidation.
She highlighted the importance of seeking help through appropriate institutions.
The programme concluded with sessions on the role of peer educators and an evaluation to assess its impact.
Participants described the workshop as insightful and impactful.
Mr Godson Nyamadi, Headteacher of Larve Junior High School, commended the organisers, describing the programme as timely and beneficial.
“This programme is an eye-opener for my pupils. The topics were relevant, and the facilitators demonstrated excellent knowledge of the issues discussed. I am confident the participants will apply the lessons in their daily lives,” he said.
Edited by Maxwel Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah