Parents in the Jentilpe community of the Savannah Region are now more encouraged to send their daughters to school, thanks to the impactful “Empowering Choices: Reducing Unintended Pregnancy in the Sawla Tuna Kalba District Through Education and Access” project.
Implemented by the Model Girls Alumni-Sawla under the Power to Youth project, the initiative focuses on tackling unintended pregnancies among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) through education and improved access to reproductive health services.
The project has sparked a significant shift in community attitudes toward the education and empowerment of young girls.
Martin Kani, an opinion leader in Jentilpe, explained how the project is making a difference:
“Through this project and the education they have given us, we realize that the girl child is someone we need to educate. Now that we are aware of this, we should provide them with guidance and counselling to keep them in school. I think the support that we get and give to them helps them stay in school longer.”
He added, “Now, regarding pregnancy, they are already aware that having unprotected sex can lead to pregnancy, and not just that; they also know that unprotected sex can result in diseases.”
This statement reflects a new understanding within the community of the importance of educating girls and equipping them with the knowledge to make informed choices about their futures.
The project educates AGYW about the risks of unprotected sex, including unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Through interactive sessions, young girls have learned practical ways to safeguard their health and futures, empowering them to become agents of change in their communities.
Parents, teachers, and local leaders are joining hands to ensure that the gains from the project are sustained. More families are prioritizing girls’ education, and the community is engaging in open discussions about reproductive health.
As part of the Power to Youth project, the “Empowering Choices” initiative demonstrates how local interventions can address systemic issues like adolescent pregnancy and gender inequality. It aligns with global efforts to empower young people and ensure they have access to education and reproductive health services.
By: Edward Ken-Zorre/newsalertgh.com
