NGO Trains Secondary School Students In Lagos

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that concentrates on the girl-child and missionary children, Gerbera Care Foundation commenced a soft skill training for secondary school students in Kosofe Local Government Area of Lagos State on Wednesday.

The Chairperson of the training, 'Upskill 2022',  Seyi Adeyera, stated that the foundation was focused on preparing teenagers for adulthood by providing them with the necessary skills to explore social, academic and professional situations confidently.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the training by the foundation was approved to be carried out in nine secondary schools in the LGA by the Lagos State government.

The schools include Anthony Village Senior High School, Ayedere-Ajibola; Senior High School, Ketu; Community Senior Secondary School, Ketu; Comprehensive Senior High School, Ketu; Ifako Comprehensive Senior High School.

Also, Immaculate Heart Senior High School, Mende; Senior High School, Maryland; Ogudu Senior Grammar School and Ojota Senior Secondary School, Ojota.

As its quota to eradicate physical and mental poverty in the youthful generation, Adeyera said the foundation would provide tools to empower the girl-child, in a bid to support their welfare and health.

She added that the foundation was dedicated to creating awareness of cervical and breast cancer among female children and would advocate the importance of human papillomavirus(HPV) vaccination in non-sexually active girl-child.

Adeyera noted that the training would include etiquette, communications skills, leadership skills, teamwork, breast and cervical cancer awareness and free testing, organisation skills, community service, sex, and sexual abuse among others.

“We believe that one of the ways we can contribute towards the fight against physical and mental poverty is by equipping young children with soft skills that are profitable in the world today.

“The girl-child is a significant being with so much deposited in her, besides becoming a wife or woman when all conditions are right, especially in this age and time.

“She is the channel through which the balance of human existence is built upon; hence, we are passionate to see to their welfare, especially their health.

“To this end, we are passionate about creating awareness on cervical and breast cancer and other female-related health issues among secondary students and the female gender at large.

“We are as well particular about the importance of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the non sexually active girl child.

“The Upskill 2022 starts today at Government Senior Secondary School, Ogudu and we are calling on well-meaning Nigerians to support this cause,” she said.

Dare Ogunleye, popularly known as Dare Chess, also promised to contribute to the Upskill Project by teaching the girls the advantages of the game of chess. 

“It is a harmony of the body, mind, and spirit; when one is free from physical and mental distractions the gates of creativity, responsibility and positive action are opened.

“In line with Gerbera Care foundation’s mission, we would continue to promote all-round enrichment to our target audience by providing educational support and every tool necessary for personal growth and development,” he said.

Reacting, Clara Adebayo, Principal, Government Senior Secondary School, Ogudu, lauded the action which aimed at impacting the lives of the students positively impacting and growing their interests in productive ideas.

She encouraged the organisers to include games such as Scrabble to equip the students globally.