United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in conjunction with Imo state Ministry of Education is set to partner with Basic and Secondary Education Teachers in the implementation of Family Life HIV Education (FLHE) through a 3-day capacity building .
Speaking to newsmen in Owerri, The UNESCO National programme Manager on Education, Mrs. Ngozi Amanze said the programme started in 2002 as approved at the National Council of Education meeting.
She lamented that teachers who were trained have either retired or are out of service hence the need to keep training and retraining of other people to keep the programme moving.
She also stated that the programme will enable young people and equip them with the life skills to make informed decisions.
According to her, adolescents will also be equipped to prevent gender based violence and combat against external influences or peer pressure.
She disclosed further that the next phase of the programme will include parents through the PTA, adding that it will enable them support teachers in the delivery of the FLHE.
The Desk officer of UNICEF IMSUBEB, Mrs. Chinwe Ajuruchi one of the participants said enlightenment programmes will aid in preventing some negative effects in young people. She noted that drug abuse, sexual transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy among others have ravaged the lives of youths hence the need for proper education to eradicate the scourge.
In an address presented by UNESCO, it stated that the essence of the workshop was to equip Teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills as major implementors to educate young people on the prevention and the reduction of HIV new infections, gender equality, early and unintended pregnancy, gender based violence and child marriage.
It stated that teachers have the power and responsibility to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and attitude that will enable them to revitalise their health, well being and dignity.
Teachers according to UNESCO should be trained to carry out these responsibilities as most of them lack the required skills and knowledge to impact on the lives of adolescents and young people.
It noted also that the implementation of the programme depends on the attitudes, values, skills and commitment of teachers who play vital roles as the source of accurate information and someone whom young ones can discuss sensitive life issues.
UNESCO further urged the teachers to replicate the knowledge in other Teachers in their respective schools and ensure constant mentoring and supportive supervision. Participants were drawn across the 27 LGAS of the state.
