By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI), A Non Governmental Organisation is seeking to collaborate with the Ministry of Education on introducing social impact reorientation program for young boys and girls in both Primary and secondary schools in Nigeria.
This program is aimed to reach the younger generation and ‘Catch them young’ is an initiative that has the potential to significantly enhance students’ civic engagement, develop crucial life skills, and foster a generation of policy literate young leaders, dedicated to positive societal change.
This was disclosed during an advocacy by Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI) to the Gender Unit of Nigeria’s Ministry of Education, in Abuja, the nations capital.
Speaking during the visit, the Executive Director, Gender Strategy Advancement International, Ms. Adora Sydney -Jack, explained that the youth are uniquely aware of the challenges faced by Nigeria and the world at large.
However, traditional educational frameworks often lack opportunities for students to translate their aspirations into tangible action.
Ms. Sydney- Jack, Who was represented by the Communication lead, Ms. Grace Udei, noted that, Social impact reorientation program, as extracurricular platforms for collaboration and project-based learning, can bridge this gap.
“The program will give students a Structured opportunity to identify local needs and develop collaborative solutions, Skill development in areas like leadership, communication, teamwork, and critical thinking, platform to showcase their projects and inspire their peers, Knowledge of the constitutions and policies that govern our natural existence and their rights. By encouraging active citizenship and social responsibility, we can empower students to become agents of positive change not only in their communities but also on a global scale”.
“The program will focus on Policy Literacy and other policies that are applicable to them as young people and as Nigerians like the Child Rights Act and VAPP Act. It will also focus on ways to enhance their understanding on what an inclusive and accountable government is”. She said
Sydney -Jack added that Creation of awareness on policies and constitutions that are gender inclusive, as well as Empowering the Next Generation, are the way forward .
“We envision a collaborative partnership where the Ministry of Education provides Endorsement and guidance, Official acknowledgment of the initiative and assistance in disseminating information to schools., Monitoring and evaluation, Assessing the impact of the initiative and ensuring its continuous improvement. We believe that by leveraging the Ministry’s extensive reach and our expertise in youth development and social impact programming, we can create a sustainable and impactful program that benefits students, schools, and communities nationwide”. She added.
Responding , the Deputy Director, special education language project, Unit of the Ministry, Mr. Aisuedion Abel , said the ministry is ever willing to partner like mind Organisation by providing technical support.
“As a unit, we are ready to work with the Ministry because all that we looking for is to make sure that out of school children is reduced and children are returned back to school . Gender is the main stream of the ministry. From our discussion, I will go back and look at the areas of request and take it to the appropriate channels. The Ministry is ready to support in the technical aspect. And we look forward for more partnerships”. He said
Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI)u is a women-led non-profit organization, working in the area of women’s rights and equal opportunities for women, increased participation in governance and Leadership, increased gender friendly policies, increased visibility forh women and advancement of women’s voices in the civic space.
