Ebonyi State School Health Education Programme Earns UNESCO Acclaim

In a resounding affirmation of Ebonyi State's commitment to holistic education and youth well-being, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has applauded the state government's successful execution of the School Health Education Programme. Lauded as a beacon of proactive governance, this commendation underscores Ebonyi's dedication to nurturing the physical, mental, and emotional health of its young populace.

Titled "Promoting School Health Education for Girls in the COVID-19 era," the program, sponsored by UNESCO and Peking University, China, and implemented by the Ebonyi State Universal Basic Education Board, achieved remarkable strides. Piloted across five local government areas—Abakaliki, Afikpo, Ebonyi, Ezza South, and Izzi—the initiative aimed to empower adolescents, particularly girls, amidst the challenges posed by the global pandemic.

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During the dissemination of end-line findings and the program's closeout in Abakaliki, Oladeji Adeyemi, Nigeria National Project Officer for Health and Wellbeing at UNESCO, commended Ebonyi's proactive approach. He emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing the health and well-being of adolescents, especially in the face of rising gender-based violence exacerbated by the pandemic. Adeyemi lamented the adverse effects of COVID-19, which led to school dropouts and instances of bullying among adolescent girls, threatening their educational pursuits.

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Central to the program's success was the training of teachers on adolescent health and well-being, alongside the establishment of peer educators among the student body. These peer educators emerged as vital allies in combating the pandemic's impact, offering support and guidance to their peers. Adeyemi expressed satisfaction with the program's outcomes, noting significant improvements in mitigating bullying and violence within schools.

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The resounding success of this initiative serves as a testament to Ebonyi's unwavering dedication to nurturing its young generation. As calls for sustainability and expansion echo, it is hoped that Ebonyi State will continue to champion initiatives that prioritize the health and education of its youth, paving the way for a brighter future for all.