Oko-Irese, Kwara State, Nigeria
March 06, 2024
In a remarkable display of Community Service and Empowerment, some 400 and 300-level students from the Faculty of Nursing Sciences and the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences at Thomas Adewumi University took the lead in organizing a transformative community outreach event. The initiative, tagged SHEEP (Sexual Health Education and Enlightenment Programme), was conducted at the Comprehensive High School, Oko, the University's host community.
Empowering Girls, Empowering Futures
The SHEEP initiative was brought to life by Miss. Kehinde Abereoje, who is also the Founder of the Purple Pact Initiative. This non-governmental organization is committed to advocating for gender equality and inclusion, educating girls about sexual and menstrual health, and raising awareness about gender-based violence. With a mission to provide a safe space for young girls and women globally, the Purple Pact initiative provided the necessary support for the SHEEP initiative in Oko Irese. Fonahanmi-Idris Eniola, a 400-level Nursing student volunteer with the Purple Pact Initiative played a pivotal role in bringing the SHEEP initiative to fruition in the University Community. Her leadership guided the team's efforts as they embarked on a transformative journey to Comprehensive High School in Oko, marking a significant step towards achieving the shared goal of empowering girls and fostering a safe space for their development.
Empowering 150 Girls
The outreach programme targeted 150 girls from the Comprehensive High School, Oko. As part of the initiative, reusable sanitary pads and other essential items were distributed, thanks to the generous contributions of the Purple Pact Initiative. However, the event was not merely about distributing products; it was about education, empowerment, and fostering open dialogue about menstrual and sexual health.
A Team Effort for Positive Change
Eniola and her team of dedicated students, including Yusuf Mistura, Abolurin Phebe, Owolabi Damilola, Oladapo Emmanuel, Adenigba Emmanuel, Olasehinde Adedoyin, and Ajibola Semilore, played pivotal roles in engaging with the girls and imparting essential knowledge. Through interactive sessions and discussions, valuable information was provided to equip the girls with the knowledge they need to make informed choices regarding their health and well-being.
Transforming Communities, One Initiative at a Time
The SHEEP initiative exemplifies the commitment of Thomas Adewumi University students to make a positive impact beyond the walls of the campus. By reaching out to the host community and empowering young girls with knowledge and resources, these students are not only enriching lives but also contributing to the broader goals of gender equality and social inclusion.
Looking Ahead
As the SHEEP initiative concludes, the ripple effects of this transformative outreach programmes are expected to resonate far beyond the event itself. Through continued collaboration with organizations like the Purple Pact Initiative and ongoing community engagement efforts, Thomas Adewumi University students are poised to be catalysts for change, inspiring hope, and empowerment in communities near and far.
