The Ekiti State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), an assisted project under the Ministry of Education, has announced plans to introduce Safe Space Sessions for boys in 10 secondary schools across the state. This development coincides with the program’s expansion to reach girls in 101 additional schools as part of its second phase.
Miss Tobiloba Adeleke, representative of the New Initiative for Social Development (NISD), the project’s implementing partner, disclosed this during a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on technical support for the facilitation of safe spaces in secondary schools. According to her, the inclusion of boys became necessary to ensure they receive training that aligns with the program’s objectives and fosters a supportive environment for the already trained girls.
She noted, “Curricula will be developed for the boys, mirroring the structure provided for girls. This ensures a balanced approach to nurturing life skills and fostering behavioral change.”
Adeleke also highlighted the project’s ambitious targets, revealing that an additional 40,000 girls from 101 schools will join the Safe Space Sessions in the second phase, complementing the 10,100 beneficiaries from the first year. By the third year, 20,000 more participants will be included, helping the state achieve its goal of training 70,000 adolescent girls. The next phase will also integrate livelihood skills, equipping participants with practical tools for self-reliance.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Bimpe Aderiye, applauded the initiative, emphasizing its alignment with her philosophy that “a bird cannot fly with one wing.” She called for robust training for guidance counselors in all participating schools, including the 10 boys’ schools, to ensure effective delivery of the program.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, stressed the importance of clear and effective communication strategies to reach grassroots communities. He urged stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring smooth implementation across schools.
In her address, the AGILE Project Coordinator, Mrs. Yewande Adesua, provided an overview of the project’s progress and impact, particularly its Component 2.2A, which equips adolescent girls with life skills to navigate adulthood.
Speaking further, the Component Lead, Mrs. Gbenu Ayedun, commended stakeholders for their unwavering support in the successful rollout of the first phase. She appealed for sustained collaboration to guarantee the smooth implementation of subsequent phases.
The introduction of Safe Space Sessions for boys marks a new chapter in Ekiti State’s journey toward inclusive education and youth empowerment. With its focus on life skills, leadership, and livelihood training, the AGILE project continues to serve as a transformative force in the lives of thousands of adolescents, setting a benchmark for sustainable development in education.
