By Benjamin Akoto
Sunyani (Bono), Oct. 08, GNA – The Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) has trained selected teachers in the Bono and Ahafo Regions to help prevent and respond to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment in schools.
The training, organised under PPAG’s ‘EmpowerHer’ project, equipped the teachers with the requisite knowledge and skills to identify, prevent and respond to cases of sexual abuse and exploitation, particularly among girls.
PPAG, with support from Global Affairs Canada, organised the training in Sunyani for teachers responsible for guidance and counselling in their respective schools.
Mr Maxwell Ayamba, Youth Programme Officer at PPAG, said the training sought to strengthen the capacity of teachers to guide students, identify signs of sexual abuse and exploitation, and provide appropriate support to survivors.
Addressing the participants, he said the programme also equipped the teachers to educate their students on the various forms of abuse and how to prevent them.
Mr Ayamba said some young people might perceive inappropriate sexual advances from schoolmates, adults or other individuals as harmless because they lacked the knowledge to identify such behaviour as abuse.
He said the training would enable the participants to educate students on warning signs, provide initial counselling, and refer survivors to the appropriate institutions for assistance.
He said the initiative formed part of PPAG’s efforts to promote safe learning environments for young people.
Nana Akosua Daapa Dorcas Tagba, Guidance and Counselling Coordinator and Head of the Catering and Hospitality Department at the Social Welfare Technical Institute, commended PPAG for the training.
She said the programme had equipped participants with the requisite knowledge to educate students on the risks of sexual abuse and exploitation.
Nana Tagba said girls who were empowered and understood their rights would be better placed to recognise and resist inappropriate sexual advances and seek help when necessary.
She said the training had also enlightened participants on the need to provide appropriate support to survivors.
Nana Tagba expressed the hope that participants would apply the knowledge acquired to promote positive change in their schools and communities.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Benjamin Akoto
Email: [email protected]