The Ogun State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, has conducted a training program for counselors in schools serving students with disabilities.
This initiative aims to promote inclusive education and address the unique needs of these students.
A statement by the school said that the two-day capacity-building program focused on comprehensive sexuality education and was held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
In her keynote address, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, maintained that it was important to foster better relationships and equip students with the knowledge and support necessary to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
Adeleye said that understanding sex education was crucial for students to know their rights, body anatomy, and health.
She noted that such knowledge empowered them to make informed choices, enhanced their lives, built self-esteem, and promoted a culture of respect for all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
The Commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that students with disabilities receive the necessary support and resources, prioritising inclusive education to create a more equitable and empowering learning environment for all.
“This training will help create a supportive and inclusive learning atmosphere that fosters academic success, social integration, and emotional well-being for students. I hope the knowledge gained by the counselors here will be transferred to the students to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation,” she stated.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs Adejumoke Adewole, underscored the significance of the training in equipping counselors with the tools and knowledge needed to champion comprehensive sexuality education in schools.
“This education will enable students to understand their bodies, make informed decisions, and recognise their rights, ensuring they are treated with dignity and respect in society.”
Facilitator Mrs Bosede Oderinde added that the training aimed to re-orient counselors on teaching methodologies that address the vulnerabilities of students with disabilities, who were often at risk of sexual abuse.
She urged participants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these students.
Two participants, Mr Micheal Aiyenero and Mrs Rafiat Akinlabi, expressed their gratitude to the organisers of the training, promising to apply the strategies and knowledge acquired to help students become more self-aware and protect themselves against all forms of abuse.