UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

11/01/2024 | News release | Archived content

UNESCO and Peking University Empower Over 79,000 Girls in Ebonyi State, Nigeria through School Health Initiative

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing gender equality and education in Africa, UNESCO, in collaboration with Peking University (PKU) of China, has successfully implemented a two-year project titled "Promoting School Health Education for Girls in Africa in the COVID-19 Era". The project, conducted in three African countries-Botswana, Uganda, and Nigeria-was specifically designed to address girls' health and educational needs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In Nigeria, the project was implemented in Ebonyi State through the State Universal Basic Education Board (EBSUBEB), with impressive outcomes.

The project had a significant impact in the state with the capacity of 3,632 teachers enhanced to deliver targeted health education information to schoolgirls. Through various engagement strategies-ranging from school assembly talks, peer mentorship, health clubs, referral services, and sanitary pad banks to the establishment of safe spaces-the project reached over 79,500 girls in the five LGAs of implementation in the state.

A key feature of the initiative was the introduction of the "HER HEALTH MANUAL", a comprehensive health education guide developed by the People Education Press (PEP) of the Chinese Ministry of Education. This manual, adapted to suit the local context in Nigeria by EBSUBEB, became an invaluable resource in promoting health awareness, hygiene, and self-care among young girls. The manual's localized content enabled educators to address culturally specific challenges and empowered the girls with critical knowledge to manage their health and well-being.

Michael Madukwe/UNESCO

On October 4th, 2024, the project reached another milestone when a joint mission from Peking University and PEP visited Nigeria to officially transfer the ownership license of the "HER HEALTH MANUAL" to EBSUBEB. This symbolic handover took place at the United Nations House in Abuja, and it highlighted the strong collaborative ties between Nigeria and its international partners.

The Chinese delegation was led by the President of PEP, Mr. Huang Gianq, alongside senior officials including Ms. Sun Zhonji, Shi Ge, Wu Huiyun, and Xu Jieying. Representing Peking University was Prof. Ma Yinghua. During their visit, the team engaged with local beneficiaries, educators, and government stakeholders, assessing the impact of the initiative and identifying future areas of collaboration. This visit also provided an opportunity for deeper discussions with Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Education and the Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) to explore potential areas of collaboration.

Michael Madukwe/UNESCO

The interactive session held at the UN House saw the participation of several high-profile dignitaries. Leading the discussions was Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, the Head of the UNESCO Country Office in Nigeria, alongside Mr. Albert Mendy, UNESCO's Head of the Education Sector in Nigeria. Also in attendance were the Secretary-General of Nigeria UNESCO-NATCOM, Dr. I. Olagunju, and the Chairman of EBSUBEB, Hon. Patience Other key figures included the EBSUBEB board secretary, Dr. Livinus Ezeuwa and the Director of Library of the NERDC, Dr. Mandela Ayodele Asebiomo. The project beneficiaries were represented by teachers, students, parents, and school principals from Ebonyi State. They all expressed their appreciation for the project's impact.

Michael Madukwe/UNESCO

The initiative aligns with UNESCO's two global priorities-Gender Equality and Africa-and it is part of a broader effort to equip girls in Africa with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive academically and personally. In Ebonyi State, the project has not only improved health literacy among schoolgirls but also fostered an environment where adolescents are better prepared to manage the challenges of adolescence and beyond.