HFDI ADVOCATES FOR ADOLESCENT WELL-BEING THROUGH O3 PROJECT VISIT TO IWO GRAMMAR SCHOOL
…School Management Backs Safe School Monitoring, GBV and HIV Sensitisation for Adolescents….
Hope for Family Development Initiative, HFDI, conducted an advocacy visit to *Iwo Grammar School, Iwo*, as part of the implementation of the O3, _Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future_ Project.
The visit aimed to introduce the O3 Project to school management, strengthen collaboration for effective implementation, conduct a Safe School Monitoring exercise, and hold a community sensitisation session for adolescents on Gender-Based Violence, GBV, and HIV.
The HFDI team was received by the Principal, Mrs. Adesigbin A.A. who welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation.
During the advocacy meeting, the team explained that the O3 Project is an adolescent-focused intervention designed to promote the health, safety, rights, and overall well-being of young people through age-appropriate Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, SRHR, education, life skills development, HIV prevention, and safe, inclusive learning environments.
The team stressed the critical role of schools in shaping adolescents and the need for environments where students feel safe, respected, protected, and empowered. Project objectives and planned activities were outlined, and the school’s collaboration was sought for successful implementation.
The Principal acknowledged the project’s relevance and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance students’ welfare and holistic development.
The Vice Principal, Mrs. Peters Folashade led the team on a comprehensive tour of the school to facilitate the Safe School Monitoring exercise. The assessment covered the safety and cleanliness of premises, classroom conditions, sanitation facilities, security measures, and existing child protection and safeguarding mechanisms.
The exercise identified the school’s strengths and areas where additional support could further enhance learner safety and well-being. The Vice Principal provided information on existing structures and demonstrated management’s commitment to a conducive learning environment.
The Programme Officer facilitated discussions on GBV, educating participants on its various forms, causes, consequences, and preventive measures. Emphasis was placed on respecting personal boundaries, recognizing abusive behaviors, speaking out against violence, and reporting incidents to trusted adults or authorities. Participants were reminded of their right to live free from violence, abuse, discrimination, and exploitation.
On HIV, participants received accurate information on its meaning, modes of transmission, prevention, and common misconceptions. The team clarified that HIV is not transmitted through hugging, handshakes, or sharing meals, and discouraged stigma against people living with HIV. Adolescents were also encouraged to make informed decisions, avoid risky behaviors, and seek accurate health information.
The advocacy visit strengthened collaboration between HFDI and Iwo Grammar School, with management expressing willingness to support O3 Project implementation. The Safe School Monitoring exercise provided insights into the school environment and safeguarding measures.
The sensitisation enhanced the knowledge of the 18 participants on GBV and HIV, equipping them to make informed decisions and promote a safer, healthier school and community environment.
The session ended with an interactive question-and-answer segment, where participants actively sought clarification on adolescent health, personal safety, and HIV prevention.