Kwadaso NCCE promotes adolescent health, prevention of GBV through football
By Dominic Antwi Agyei, GNA
Kwadaso (Ash), Oct. 13, GNA – The Kwadaso Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has organized a community football match as part of strategy to educate adolescents and residents on reproductive health, gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV).
The fun game, featuring, Kwadaso Saturday Special team and the Sunday Special team, formed part of the “Empowering Communities and Youth for the Promotion of Adolescents Reproductive Health, Gender Equality and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence through Civic Engagement” initiative.
It is being sponsored by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), under the Adolescent Girls’ Programme.
It seeks to improve knowledge of adolescent sexual and reproductive health, especially amongst girls and boys, while promoting positive attitudes and behaviours to prevent GBV and harmful social norms.
The initiative also seeks to increase community awareness of adolescent reproductive health through innovative community-based civic education approaches including fun games as well as strengthen the involvement of men and boys as advocates for gender-based equality and the protection of adolescent girls.
Madam Cynthia Anima Boadu, the Ashanti Regional Director of the NCCE, addressing the players and residents, urged the two team to become advocates for the rights and protection of women and young girls.
She explained the objectives of the initiative to the players and spectators emphasizing the importance of using community engagement activities to promote awareness and behavioural change on issues affecting adolescents and women.
Madam Mavis Achiaa Opoku, the Kwadaso Municipal Director of NCCE, urged the youth and parents to help promote the initiative by spreading messages in their homes, schools and communities.
She encouraged them to make healthy choices, seek accurate and reliable information, and consult trusted adults or health professionals whenever they had concerns about their health and wellbeing.
The two teams were leveled at 1-1 after full time, before the Saturday Special team held their nerve in the penalty shootout to come out victorious.
The football match ended with the presentation of medals, branded T-shirts and a trophy, and a GHS 1000.00 donation from the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kwadaso, Professor Kingsley Nyarko to the participating teams.
They pledged to support efforts towards healthier, safer, and more equitable communities in the Kwadaso Municipality.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade