By: Haruna Kuyateh
Hope Life International (HLI) with support from Netherland Embassy in Dakar are intensifying its efforts to create and strengthen more public awareness among the youthful population on sexual and reproductive health, information and rights.
The training was held at ADWAC conference hall in Kerewan, North Bank Region.
Prior the training of 20 youths, the project engaged school administrators and education officials on adolescent youths on reproductive and sexual health education.
The program targets 10 schools including Upper Basic and Senior Secondary Schools region 3 to complement Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MoBSE) in bridging information gaps and boost up retention of girls at Upper Basic and Senior Secondary Schools.
Joseph Idiba Awuru, Executive Director of Hope Life International noted that the importance of capacity development among the youthful population is to enable them stay and complete their education and contribute to socio-economic wellbeing of the society.
He stated that the project will work with institutions and partners to establish youths friendly Ambassador Clubs to help educate their peers on sexual and reproductive health information and rights.
He challenged youths to be goodwill Ambassadors of HLI in creating awareness on sexual and reproductive health issues to protect them from contracting STIs including HIV/AIDS and the training is in conformity with the relevant Gambia’s national Sexual Reproductive Health policy and international agreements.
The targeted youths disclosed that the training was an eye opener for them, noting that they lack the knowledge and awareness at households and community levels.
Modou Ndure, Branch Manager of Gambia Family Planning Association at Njaba Kunda and AjaWuribella Jallow of Ndungu Kebbeh Health Centre in Lower Nuimi dilated more on importance of youths to desist from multiple sex partners, adopt positive behaviour to enable them focus on their educational pursuits.
The trainers urged the female students to avoid child or early marriage as it affects reproductive health of women and girls.
Madam Jallow exposed participants on step taken during menstrual cycle to enhance hygiene and she also encouraged them to seek timely treatment of sexual transmission infections from health facilities.