Sokoto STCI Provides 100 Safe Spaces, Gives Life Skills Training To 62,864
By Emmanuel Ankeli, Sokoto
Save the Child Initiative (STCI) Nigeria has engaged stakeholders in a one day inception training to facilitate safe spaces in no fewer than 100 schools across the 23 local government areas of Sokoto state.
Giving brief on the workshop, malam Rabiu Bello Gandi, STCI, Head of Migration, Mobility and Protection said, they were engaged by the State Project Implanting Unit (SPIU) of Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Project to provide technical support in the form of life skills training in the 100 safe spaces across the 23 local government areas.
Malam Rabiu who divulged that their target is to provide life skills training for all the 62, 864 within tow years, added that, such knowledge has become very necessary to enable adolescent girls make informed decisions in life.
Explaining what life skills actually meant, Malam Rabiu said these adolescent girls will be empowered with the necessary knowledge and information on how to make informed decisions about their future, negotiation skills, refusal skills, sanitation, nutrition, home management, choice making, what to study, who to marry, what kind of business to do and lots as well as knowing the consequences of their decision or indecisions.
“Mentors will be there to guide them on career paths and life journey generally. But of course, do not forget that parents will also be encouraged to be supportive of their children’s decision, as no girl will be enrolled in this life skills training without the consent of her family”.
While stressing that STCI is set to further bring the reality of AGILE Project to limelight in the state, Malam Rabiu said the safe spaces to be provided in 100 schools shall comprise of physical spaces, use of trained facilitators, adherence to the principle of confidentiality and creating non judgmental atmosphere amongst others.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary, Sokoto Female Education Board who is also chairman of the training, Professor Mustapha Namaka said having studied the importance of all AGILE Projects, they have submitted sustainability proposal to the state government to continue with the projects even after AGILE winds up.
On their part, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) represented by a Director, Hajiya Rabi Mohammed Gwadabawa said any efforts geared towards the emancipation of girls and women would continue to have the support of the ministry and state government.
Also speaking in a goodwill message, a respected traditional leader, Malam Sani Umar Jabbi, the District Head of Gagi appealed to parents to ensure that their wards gets the needed education and skills that will enable them make positive impacts in their generation.
Others who gave their goodwill messages include, chairman of the principals in the state, representative of private schools, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Coalition of NGOs.
