In a bid to empower young people with essential knowledge on reproductive health and well-being, Golden Inspires Foundation (GIF-GHANA) successfully carried out a School Outreach Sensitization Program at Tolon Senior High School and Kumbungu Senior High School on February 5th and 6th, 2025, respectively. The theme for the project was Empowering Youth: Understanding Reproductive Health and Well-being for Teenagers, which aimed to educate adolescents on critical aspects of reproductive health, personal hygiene, and responsible decision-making. The outreach program impacted over 1,200 students, equipping them with vital knowledge to make informed choices about their health and future.

The program commenced with a community entry process, where the GIF-GHANA team paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Tolon, Naa Major Sulemana, at his palace. The team formally introduced the organization and its mission to the chief, who, in turn, commended GIF-GHANA for its commitment to youth empowerment and community development. He offered prayers and words of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of guiding the younger generation toward responsible adulthood. Following the visit to the palace, the team proceeded to Radio Tolon, a local community radio station, where they introduced the foundation and shared insights about their educational initiatives. This engagement helped to create greater awareness and community support for the program.

At Tolon Senior High School, students and teachers warmly welcomed the GIF-GHANA team for an interactive session on reproductive health. The discussions covered key topics such as puberty, menstrual hygiene, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the importance of abstinence and responsible decision-making. The facilitators emphasized the risks associated with early relationships, teenage pregnancies, and unsafe abortions. The students were encouraged to focus on their education and avoid distractions that could hinder their academic and personal development.

The session was highly interactive, with students asking insightful questions and sharing their experiences and concerns. Many students admitted that they had limited knowledge about the risks of early relationships and appreciated the open discussions facilitated by the GIF-GHANA team. The teachers also praised the initiative, highlighting that reproductive health education is often neglected in many school curricula and needs to be reinforced through such outreach programs.

Also, on February 6th, 2025, at Kumbungu Senior High School in the Kumbungu District. GIF-GHANA engages students, focusing on adolescent reproductive health, peer pressure, and the impact of early romantic relationships on academic performance. The facilitators explained how early relationships could expose students to emotional distress, unintended pregnancies, and STIs. Students were advised to prioritize their education and cultivate self-discipline to resist negative peer influences.

A crucial aspect of the discussions at Kumbungu Senior High School was the emphasis on self-confidence and responsible decision-making. The students were encouraged to seek guidance from trusted adults, including teachers, counselors, and health professionals, when faced with challenges. The teachers at Kumbungu Senior High School expressed their appreciation for the initiative, emphasizing that many students struggle with reproductive health-related concerns but often lack the necessary information and support systems to make informed choices.

Throughout the program, GIF-GHANA reiterated the importance of personal hygiene, menstrual health, and overall well-being. The facilitators and teachers reminded students that maintaining good hygiene is crucial for their health and self-confidence. The sessions also debunked myths surrounding reproductive health, helping students differentiate between cultural misconceptions and scientifically proven facts.

The School Outreach Sensitization Program aimed to achieve several key objectives, including raising awareness about adolescent reproductive health, educating students on the risks of early relationships and teenage pregnancies, encouraging personal responsibility and self-discipline, and fostering a culture of open dialogue on health-related issues among young people.

The feedback from both schools was overwhelmingly positive. Many students expressed their gratitude, noting that the program had provided them with valuable insights they had never received before. Teachers emphasized that such educational initiatives should be regularly conducted in schools to complement classroom learning and provide students with essential life skills.

The success of this program reflects Golden Inspires Foundation’s commitment to youth development, health education, and community engagement. Moving forward, the organization plans to expand its outreach efforts, partner with more schools, and engage local stakeholders to promote comprehensive adolescent health education and other empowerment programmes for a better future. GIF-GHANA believes that empowering young people with knowledge is a crucial step toward building a healthier, more informed, and resilient future generation.