GPI Benin Train SCHOOL COUNSELORS
By Okoojion Elizabeth

Girls' Power Initiative (GPI) organised a two-day training for guidance counsellors in secondary schools in Edo State.

The training took place in GPI hall on April 14th and 15th to achieve the following objectivesl.

• To provide the participants opportunity to have information on issues of sexual and Reproduction Health and Rights in a two-day training.
• To enhance the quality of participants counseling session with students in their respective schools in providing non-judgmental youth friendly services.
• To improve the relationship between the participants and their students

Twelve schools were represented in the training by teachers who are already guidance counsellors or in charge of students affairs. The list of schools include
• Franej International High School
• St Maria Goretti Girls Grammar School
• Igbinedion Education Centre
• Ogbanmwan Group of Schools
• Eyaen Senior Secondary School
• University Preparatory Secondary School
• Egba Grammar School
• Itohan Girls Grammar School
• Esigie Comprehensive College
• Edokpolor Junior Secondary School
• Iguadolor Grammar School
• Egor Junior Secondary School, Egor

The first day started with an opening prayer after which Elizabeth Okoojion - the officer in charge of the programme welcomed participants and introduced Maria Obazuwa, who gave an address on behalf of the Co-ordinator, Grace Osakue. 

In her address, she welcomed the participants, outlined the objectives of the training and urged participants to make effective use of the opportunity to interact freely and be better informed.  There after, one minute silence was observed for late Duncan Osakue, before the commencement of the sessions, participants stated their expectations and listed ground rules/penalty.

Maria Obazuwa and Blessing Ehiagwina facilitated the sessions on the following topics:
• Adolescence and Challenges adolescents face
• Counseling and counseling skills
• Characteristics of youth friendly services
• Self esteem and assertiveness
• Finding help
• Gender, sex roles, stereotypes and gender discrimination
• Sexual and reproductive health and right
• Common STIs and HIV/AIDS
• Migration and Trafficking in Persons

There was brainstorming, experience sharing, role play and group discussions.

On gender discrimination, some participants were emphatic on these two opinions:

1. “Only the girl child would take care of parents at old age”
2. “Gender discrimination cannot be stopped because it is ordained by God” Participants

Each of the participant listed one major challenge they face in their schools as well as the average number of students (clients) who access counselling services. The challenges were as diverse as location and type of schools.

The participants unanimously affirm that the topics are relevant and educative and recommend that more counsellors be involved in future training for the overall benefit of the students in Edo State