The Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (CALMHAF) and Rangers International Football Club Foundation have created awareness on menstrual hygiene, mental health and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) among students in Enugu.
Speaking on Monday during the awareness at Trans-Ekulu Girls Secondary School, Enugu, the Founder of CALMHAF, Rev. Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, said that the organizations were adopting ‘Student-to-Student Initiative (S2Si)’ to ensure sustainability and scalability of the programme and other interventions.
Nwachukwu, who said that the awareness was part of the groups Menstrual Hygiene Day campaign, said that the programme is meant to tackle critical issues surrounding menstrual hygiene, mental health and SGBV self-awareness and personal empowerment among young women.
“By fostering open dialogue and equipping girls (female students) and young women with knowledge and tools, the model aims to create lasting change in the lives of participants and their communities.
“The first phase of this programme deliberately targeted a select group of 20 girls from Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School, ensuring a manageable and impactful start; while it will be extended to schools within Enugu State and other states in the country.
“By keeping the cohort small, CALMHAF and Rangers Foundation could closely monitor progress, foster meaningful engagement, and tailor the interventions to the specific needs of the participants.
“The programme was structured to empower these girls (female students) and young women not only as beneficiaries but also as peer educators, capable of sharing their knowledge with others in their school and beyond,” he said.
Nwachukwu, said that the programme marks the beginning of a broader vision and leadership skills by the girls for a ripple effect that would extend to their households, neighbourhoods and communities.
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“The Student-to-Student Initiative (S2Si) ensures that the lessons learnt will continue to spread, creating a network of informed and empowered young women who can challenge stigma, advocate for better resources, and support one another,” he said.
Chairman of Rangers Foundation, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, said that the model covers a range of inter-connected topics, which include, menstrual hygiene education; mental health awareness, SGBV solutions and self-awareness and empowerment, among others.
Amaraizu noted that trained facilitators from CALMHAF and other professionals led the sessions, employing a mix of pictorial and graphic presentations, group discussions, and hands-on activities to ensure the content was engaging and accessible.
He said that the girls (female students) were encouraged to ask questions, share their experiences, and connect with one another, fostering a sense of sisterhood and mutual support.
