By Cleopatra Eki
Hope Inspired Foundation has organised a 1-day girls workshop to empower young girls on total leadership and vocational skills to impact the world positively,
The event tagged lnspire Life Girls Project: with the theme: ”The 360 Degree Leaders” held at Our Saviour Hall Lagos Island.
Speaking, Ejiro Okotie, Crystal founder, Hope Inspired Foundation for Women and Youth, disclosed that the Foundation targets the girl-child, women and the disables, through advocacy, caring, empowerment to aid them to contribute their quota to nation building.
She spoke to the girls on the topic “My sexuality”, as she observed that most young people and persons with disabilities received little or no formal sexual education, either in school or at home.
She gave them Sexuality Education Tool books and with braille versions printed by the foundation, to provide comprehensive sexual health education for young people with honest, age-appropriate information and skills to help them cater for their health and overall well -being.
Okotie also spoke on “Self-Awareness, and Health/Hygiene,” emphasizing on self discovery journey, how they can know their personalities, strengths and weaknesses and use it to impact the world positively.
Okotie also cautioned them against sex harassment, bulling by peers, society , superior authorities and personal hygiene among others.
Treasures Uchegbu, President Speaking Fingers Network and Anchor person, spoke on “Mental Health and Mental Well- being in Today’s World” to clusters of girls living with different disabilities, ranging from visually impaired, hearing among others.
Her speech also centres on Artificial lntelligence, Post COVID era , New currency, sectionalism, Nigeria and Global economies and Mental Health. She emphasized that whatever issues we are facing around us , we should have our minds in contact.
Uchegbu urged the participants using 3-2-1 methods to guard their minds and mental health by the way they feel, think and act. She advised them to use 5 different methods, which includes eating right, exercises, resting well, and it is ok not to be ok but talk to psychiatrist and psycologist for heip.
She commended the girls who have been part of the 360 leadership training from inception over the years and have been transformed to virtuous ladies, some of them through school and their businesses have impacted many lives positively.
Abigail Etatuvie, founder Abigail Foundation, spoke on “Trafficking and the “Japa Syndrome.” these topics were very educative and resonated with the girls in the interactive discussion.
She encouraged them to look out for red flags, talk to trusted and reliable persons before they embark on any foreign journey or offers, they should verify properly, report to Nigéria Embassy for help if stranded abroad.
Speaking to Dash Alade, Chief Executive Officer Sip & Paint Naija,vwho taught the girls on fundamental of Arts, on how to draw and start the business from home. According to him, people should use the smart phones or Youtube to learn new skills, arts, cooking , painting, digital marketing, graphics according to their interest.
One of the participants, called Claire, a worker with NGO disclosed that it was her first time at the Girls Academy, and she learnt something new, mind-blowing and outstanding.
The event was interactive as Mr Victor Eyitayo, trainer visually impaired taught them how to make Key holders, Flowers vase. Other trainners took them through Belts making ,Ankara bags.and Ankara books wrapping, Canvas painting (Arts), among others.
The high point is the ice breaker games, panelists session by Zamiya Salami, Urhi Etatuvie, Agatha Acheneje with questions and answers, team building competition and presentation of gift packs to the winners and girls.
Appreciations goes to Mr. Morris Etatuvie and team, resource persons and families and friends for supporting the project.
