A leading non-governmental organisation (NGO) reputable for adolescent and teenage reproductive health, Wingspan Women and Girls Initiative, has taken the campaign against sex-for-marks to rural schools in Cross River State.
Marking the 2024 World Menstrual Hygiene Day on 28th May, the NGO held two-hour seminars with students from schools in rural communities, lecturing them on the need to own up to their bodies and make informed decisions.
The beneficiary schools include Government Science and Technical College, Nsemo Ishie, Calabar; Government Secondary School, Ayanganse, Akamkpa; and Government Secondary School, Camp 2, Oban; all in Cross River State.
Ideal Blessyn Ewa, Project Coordinator of Wingspan Women and Girls Initiative, addressing students
Speaking in one of the schools, Government Secondary School, Ayanganse, the Project Coordinator of Wingspan Women and Girls Initiative, Ideal Blessyn Ewa, said the organisation’s mission has always been their focus; conducting seminars with students on safe hygiene practices, hand washing and methods of disposing used sanitary pads.
She said: “We had a two-hour seminar with the students on safe hygiene practices, hand washing and methods of disposing of used sanitary pads. We also taught them how long should a pad last before replacing a new one.
“After the seminar, we had a question and answer session, the students were advised to always speak out for early intervention and to also be contented with what their parents can afford and put their education above everything.”
Ewa added that “We also educated the students on the dangers of sex-for-marks, teenage pregnancy and its effect.”
On her part, the Principal of Government Secondary School Ayanganse, Mrs Ikpeme, thanked Wingspan Women and Girls Initiative for bringing such a programme to the village, adding that, “It was first of its kind,” while wishing the organisation greater heights.
Mrs Ikpeme pinpointed the challenges faced by the school to include dilapidated buildings, no staff room, no learning materials, no desks as some students sit on the floor to learn, and more.
CONVERSEER reports that the event was rounded up with the distribution of sanitary pads to girls of menstrual age.
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