Kelvin Obambon|14 February 2018
As Valentine's Day drew near, two Non Governmental Organizations, Edem Children Foundation(ECF) and BrenCare Foundation, in partnership with Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria(PPFN), organized a one day programme, tagged, ''A Healthy Valentine'' NegroidHaven has learnt.
The event which held last week at PPFN Youth Friendly Centre, Uwanse, Calabar, was aimed at sensitizing and correcting the misconceptions that are often associated with Valentine's Day celebration among youths.
In his speech, the executive director, Edem Children Foundation, Mr Bassey Edem, noted that the event, being the first of its kind, was timely and apt, stressing that Valentine's Day in the past were celebrated for all the wrong reasons. This he said, informs the need to reorientate the minds of young people with proper and adequate information.
''This event, being the first of its kind, tagged, 'A Healthy Valentine', is very apt. Judging from the past, young persons have been celebrating Valentine's Day for all the wrong reasons. Hence, the need to re-focus the minds of young people with proper and adequate information.''
On what the programme hopes to achieved, he said, ''We at Edem Children Foundation sincerely wish and hope this event achieve a measure of success in helping young people in and around Uwanse community to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, including empowering young people to know and exercise their right to refuse unwanted sexual advances and delay marriage; hence, our partnership with BrenCare Foundation, PPFN and other sister organizations here present.''
Also speaking, the executive director, BrenCare Foundation, Ms Brenda Effiom, stated that BrenCare Foundation is a non-governmental organization that works directly with young people between the ages of 10 to 24.
The organization, according to her, is aimed at improving the health and well-being of young people across the state.
''BrenCare Foundation is a non-governmental and not-for-profit organization. Basically, we work with young people in terms of their health, and also to provide accurate information on how to handle sexual and reproductive health issues. This we do to reduce the rate of unplanned pregnancies and incidence of abortions among the youths which may have serious consequences on their education and general health.''
''Today's programme is organized for young people to sensitize them on the misconceptions surrounding Valentine's Day. We want to correct the wrong impression that Valentine's Day is a moment to celebrate with sexual partner. Our activity here today is seeking to redirect the minds of young people away from the immoral aspect of Valentine. Valentine is a period to celebrate love with family members, close friends and associates. Do not be coerced or pressured into engaging in sexual activities. We are informing young people right here on how to celebrate Valentine in a healthy way.'' she stated.
In a keynote lecture, titled, ''Postponing Sexual Activities Among Young People'', delivered by Ms Arit Bassey, from Girls Power Initiative(GPI), Calabar centre, she identified decision-making as important in the lives of youth, especially those decisions that have to do with choice of career, education, sex, marriage and drug use.
She however stressed the need for youths to make informed decisions at all times, noting that their lives and successes depend on the kind of decisions made.
Speaking further, she highlighted factors that influence decision-making to include: peer pressure, inadequate decision-making skills, lack of knowledge and information, alcohol and drug use, religion and beliefs, low self esteem, among others.
Present at the event were students from Model Secondary School, Uwanse, representative from CUSO's youth resource centre and members of the public.
While expressing gratitude to organizers of the event, participants made a passionate appeal for a programme of this nature to be sustained, pointing out that what they have learnt will ultimately impact their lives positively.
The event climaxed with free STIs screening, HIV/AIDS testing and counselling, distribution of sanitary pads to girls as well as free distribution of condoms.
Kelvin Obambon
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