In a continuing effort to tackle sexual violence and empower young people, the Centre for Young People Development and Poverty Alleviation Initiative (CYDPAN), in partnership with the African Women’s Development Foundation (AWDF), held a transformative sensitization session at Comprehensive High School, Okosi, as part of their Prevention of Sexual Violence, Safety, and Support for Survivors project.
Facilitated by Miss. Uwakmfon Ayakemem, the session aimed to equip students with the knowledge and strategies necessary to prevent sexual violence and respond effectively to unsafe situations. Key lessons included the importance of confidently saying NO to all forms of sexual violence, the necessity of removing oneself from potentially dangerous situations, and the critical role of reporting incidents to trusted adults or authorities. Miss. Uwakmfon also stressed the need to protect others in danger, fostering a culture of mutual support and safety.
A significant milestone of the session was the official inauguration of the KASA (SPEAK UP) Club, a peer-led initiative designed to provide students with a platform for ongoing engagement, support, and education on sexual violence prevention. Mr. Robert Boniface, CYDPAN’s Program Coordinator, led the ceremony, highlighting the importance of youth-driven action in creating safe school environments.
The session also included the presentation of essential materials to the school’s SPEAK UP Team, designed to further empower students and staff in their efforts to combat sexual violence. These resources included SPEAK UP activity guides to engage students in discussions about sexual violence prevention, as well as key legal frameworks such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, the State Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Training Manual for Schools, and the Unified Response Protocol and Referral Pathway for GBV Cases. Additionally, students were trained on how to access the referral pathways for reporting sexual violence, with contact information for trusted services provided.
The establishment of the KASA Club and the provision of these critical resources mark a significant step toward fostering a safer, more informed environment at Comprehensive High School. By empowering students to take action, the initiative aims to promote a culture of safety, accountability, and mutual respect within the school community. With CYDPAN and AWDF’s continued commitment to the project, the KASA Club is set to play a central role in ensuring that students are equipped to prevent sexual violence, support survivors, and work towards a future free from harassment and abuse. Together, we are building safer schools and communities, one informed and empowered student at a time.
