HFDI, ECEWS Sensitise Girls on Rights, Confidence and Self-Worth in Schools Outreach
Hope for Family Development Initiative, HFDI in partnership with the Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme, ECEWS, has conducted a sensitization session for girls at Peculiar Treasure Group of Schools aimed at building their confidence, knowledge of rights and sense of self-worth.
The session facilitated by Mrs. Angela and Mrs. Salamah Ibrahim of ECEWS with support from HFDI Osun team focused on encouraging girls to speak up, take their education seriously, avoid early marriage, and believe in their potential.
The facilitators urged the students not to look down on themselves, and to participate actively in class even when they feel intimidated. They shared practical examples, and the importance of open communication with parents, especially mothers.
Key messages delivered included the value of the girl child, the right to education, right to privacy, freedom of expression, right to dignity, right to make choices, right to own property, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, alongside the significance of the International Day of the Girl Child and its call to prioritize the well-being of every girl.
They strongly discouraged early marriage, noting that some girls as young as 8 or 10 years are betrothed, a practice that limits education and future opportunities. The girls were urged to discover their talents, speak up about challenges, and confide in trusted adults.
Using an illustration with crumpled money to demonstrate that value does not diminish with challenges, the facilitators taught that a girl’s worth is not reduced by mistakes, poor academic performance, or other difficulties.
The students were guided to make positive affirmations such as “I am valuable,” “I am building my voice,” and “I can be who I say I will be,” and were encouraged to pledge to believe in themselves and protect their future.
As part of the outreach, HFDI Osun in partnership with ECEWS distributed sanitary pads and notebooks to the girls. At the end of the session, students were engaged in a feedback interaction and responded to questions on what they had learnt.
The organizers said the girls left the session better equipped with knowledge, confidence and a stronger sense of self-worth to pursue education, claim their rights, and reject practices that limit their potential.