By: Tilda Acorlor
Tanyigbe Senior High School is the latest host of a transformative three-day bootcamp by the Young and Safe Project, empowering students with vital knowledge and skills in Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, Mental Health and Well-being, and Cyber Safety and Digital Literacy.
The event, organized by Node Eight and other consortium partners, Botnar Foundation, Love Aid Foundation, Ghana Education Service, and the Ho Municipal Assembly, brought together experts from various fields to educate and inspire students on crucial issues affecting their lives.
Topics covered included digital safety, promotion of healthy habits, self-care, and menstrual hygiene.
Resource persons, including Miss Kendell, Elizabeth Mantey, Lovia Tetteh, Madam Mary Anyomi, Saviour Kwame Agbeve, and Mr. Joseph Gyeedu, shared insightful knowledge and experiences with the students.
The Regional Director from the Ghana AIDS Commission, Mrs. Anyormi Mary, pointed out the importance of consent and healthy relationships among young people.
She said consent requires willingness; therefore, students must be cautious about the risks of peer pressure and having multiple sexual partners.
The founder of Love Aid Foundation, Ms. Lovia Tetteh, educated students on their rights and the laws that protects them.
She explained that Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and responsibilities are essential for safeguarding individuals’ dignity and well-being.
She added that SRHR encompasses the right of all to make informed decisions about Sexual and Reproductive health free from discrimination Coercion and Violence .
A mental health expert from the Ho Municipal Hospital, Mr. Joseph Gyeedu enlightened students on the importance of mental health awareness, stressing that it’s just as crucial as physical health.
He encouraged open conversations among students, kindness, and seeking help without fear of judgment.
He disclosed challenges of anxiety, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD).
He added that mental health is not just about avoiding sadness or stress, but about coping, building resilience, and supporting each other.
Miss Kendell Martey revealed importance of Menstrual Hygiene to the health and took students through practical steps on how to properly handle sanitary products.
A facilitator at the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications, (GIFEC Ghana), Saviour Kwame Agbevey, during his session engaged students in understanding cyber hygiene and online safety.
He cautioned students to avoid the risks of poor password habits and careless online behaviour.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially in cybersecurity,” he said.
Students were curious and attentive to grasp the knowledge imparted, exhibiting how significant selfcare, period education, issues of digital literacy, and mental health are for all and sundry.
Managers of the Young and the Safe project announced and launched the Young ad Safe Club in the school with 30 pioneering student.
This is the very first cohort committed to championing youth safety, mental wellness, and empowerment in school and beyond.
The club aims to promote the safety and well-being of young people through long-term engagement and continuous learning.
The Young and Safe Project is an Initiative that aims to make Ho a youth-friendly city by enhancing the overall well-being and participation of young people in local governance.
The project also seeks to address various aspects of youth empowerment through targeted initiatives and smart local partnerships.
