BlueGreen Initiative for Sustainable Development Takes Sensitization on Gender-Based Violence and Climate Education to Ukpaubong Community Secondary School, Itam, Itu LGA

In line with this theme, the BlueGreen Initiative for Sustainable Development (BlueGreenISD), a youth-led, environmental sustainability-focused CSO based in Akwa Ibom State, with the support of the Climate and Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria (CSDevNet), organized a one-day sensitization campaign on gender-based violence (GBV) and climate education for students at Ukpaubong Community Secondary School, Itam in Itu Local Government Area of the state.

The objectives of the sensitization campaign were to:

1. Raise awareness among students about GBV and its consequences

2. Educate students about the link between climate change and GBV

3. Empower students to take action to prevent GBV.

The sensitization campaign took the form of a symposium and included presentations by speakers on the following topics:

1. What is gender-based violence?

2. The different forms of GBV

3. The effects of GBV on individuals and communities

4. The link between climate change and GBV

5. What can be done to prevent GBV?

Mr. Ekemini Essien Sensitizing the Student on Gender-based violence (GBV) and Climate Education

The sensitization campaign was a success and achieved its objectives. Students were engaged and learned a lot about GBV and climate change. They also expressed their commitment to taking action to prevent GBV.

Sensitizing the Student on Gender-based violence (GBV) and Climate Education

In addition to the symposium, the BlueGreenISD also established a Green School Club at Ukpaubong Community Secondary School. The Green School Club is a flagship initiative of the BlueGreenISD that aims to promote environmental awareness and sustainability among young people.

The campaign concluded with a commemorative remark by the Executive Director of BlueGreenISD, Mr. Ediongsenyene Ndunobong, and the Principal of Ukpaubong Community Secondary School, Mr. Awa

Closing Remark by the Executive Director of BlueGreenISD, Mr. Ediongsenyene Ndunobong

In Mr. Awa’s words, “I love programs like this because they open up our students to information that before, was the privilege of students schooling in the urban areas. I thank BlueGreen Initiative for Sustainable Development for finding our school worthy of this exercise. Just like Oliver Twist, I want to ask that this come to us again and again, our doors are open for future engagements.”

The principal of Ukpaubong Community Secondary School Mr Awa, taking the commemorative tree planting exercise

The BlueGreenISD is committed to working with young people to promote gender equality and climate action. The sensitization campaign at Ukpaubong Community Secondary School successfully drove this objective.

BlueGreenISD team with a cross section of the students and staffers of Ukpaubong Community Secondary School