NCCE-Keta Engages Young Apprentices on Sexual Health, Gender Equality and GBV Prevention

The Keta Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has engaged young apprentices on sexual and reproductive health, gender equality and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV) as part of efforts to equip young people with knowledge to make informed and responsible decisions.

The engagement brought together apprentices of Julie-Jul Enterprise at Keta Central and outgoing apprentices of the Ghana National Tailors and Dressmakers Association (GNTDA), Dzelukope Zone, under the Adolescent Girls Program (AGP).

The AGP is funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The program seeks to strengthen community awareness and empower adolescent girls, boys and community members to promote adolescent health, gender equality and the prevention of GBV through sustained civic engagement.

Ms. Nora Aku Amevor, Civic Education Officer, led discussions on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR). She encouraged the apprentices to seek accurate information about their sexual and reproductive health and make responsible decisions that would protect their wellbeing and future aspirations.

She also addressed misconceptions surrounding contraceptives and family planning services, urging participants not to rely on rumors or information from unverified sources. She advised them to seek professional guidance from appropriate health service providers whenever they needed clarification.

Mr. Lucas Tudi, another facilitator, focused on gender-based violence and the role of young people in preventing it. He educated participants on the various forms of GBV and stressed the importance of speaking out and reporting incidents through appropriate channels.

Mr. Tudi further urged the apprentices to challenge attitudes and behaviors that promote violence and inequality, noting that both young men and women have important roles to play in building respectful relationships and safer communities.

The facilitators also encouraged participants to break the silence surrounding sexual and reproductive health issues. They explained that open and respectful conversations could help young people overcome fear, embarrassment and misinformation when seeking assistance.

Participants were further informed about where and how to access youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services to enable them to obtain timely and reliable support when necessary.

The engagement provided the apprentices with an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and reflect on how their personal choices could affect their health, relationships and communities.

As the outgoing apprentices prepare for the next stage of their lives, NCCE-Keta urged them to become responsible citizens and ambassadors for gender equality, healthy relationships and the prevention of GBV.

The initiative forms part of NCCE-Keta’s continued efforts to use civic education to empower young people with the knowledge and confidence to protect their rights and contribute to safer, healthier and more inclusive communities.