By Michael Foli Jackidy
Mafi-Kumasi (V/R), Sept. 30, GNA – The Canada-funded Adolescent Girls Programme (AGP) has contributed to improved adolescent sexual and reproductive health education and created a more supportive learning environment for girls at the Mafi-Kumasi RC Comboni Junior High School in the Central Tongu District.
Madam Isabella Regina Ayimey, Central Tongu Education Director, said the programme had supported the training of teachers and community members on adolescent sexual and reproductive health issues, with the knowledge subsequently extended to learners in other schools.
She said the programme had helped learners acquire knowledge on personal care; sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), teenage pregnancy, and the risks associated with premarital sex.
Madam Ayimey made the observation during a field visit by the Steering Committee of the Canada-funded AGP to the school to assess the experiences and progress of beneficiary learners.
She expressed appreciation to the programme partners for their financial and technical support, particularly the provision of sanitary pads to female learners.
She said the provision of sanitary pads had helped reduce situations where girls might have to depend on others for money to purchase the items, thereby helping them remain focused on their education.
Madam Ayimey said the learners had also been trained to educate their peers and serve as positive examples within their communities.
She said the knowledge acquired through the programme was being reinforced through school club activities, while teachers were expected to integrate lessons from their training into classroom instruction.
According to her, the interventions had contributed to improved regularity and punctuality among learners, as the provision of sanitary pads had reduced some of the challenges that could prevent girls from attending school.
“We thank you so much because the donation has gone a long way to put smiles on the faces of our learners. So, we are grateful to you. We are expecting more from you to continue with our learners,” she said.
Mr Nat Adomah, Headmaster of the school, said the establishment and activities of the school clubs had contributed to increased attention to adolescent reproductive health issues, particularly teenage pregnancy.
He said before the clubs were established, teenage pregnancy was a major concern, with some students even becoming pregnant before completing their education.
Mr Adomah said the situation had improved, noting that the school recorded only one teenage pregnancy case in the previous year.
He expressed hope that continued education and collaboration among the school, parents, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), School Management Committee (SMC), and other educational stakeholders could help reduce teenage pregnancy cases to zero.
He said the school was paying particular attention to the issue because girls currently outnumbered boys, requiring sustained efforts to protect their education and wellbeing.
During the visit, learners demonstrated knowledge and skills acquired through adolescent sexual and reproductive health training, both through school club activities and classroom instruction.
The Steering Committee also observed the integration of reproductive health education into classroom teaching and interacted with learners on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) within the school environment.
Ms Lianna Baur, Senior Development Officer at the Canadian High Commission, commended the learners for their participation and encouraged them to continue making informed choices and protecting themselves.
“You all have a very bright future and you’re protecting yourself. Good job,” she told the learners.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Linda Asante Agyei