By Stephen G. Fellajuah
In commemoration of the 2024 International Day of the Child, the Jewel Starfish Foundation (JSF), in collaboration with UNFPA and other partners, has launched a comprehensive sexual education manual.
According to the Foundation’s press release, the manual is aimed helping to empower girls, proving essential information on health, rights, and personal safety, fostering informed decision-making and promoting gender equality.
The event themed, “Girls’ Vision for the Future” took place at JJ Roberts UMS High School in Monrovia, bringing together students, educators, and guests from the Jewel Starfish Foundation.
The gathering featured inspiring performances and discussions focused on empowering young girls and envisioning a brighter future for them.
The manual addresses key topics including reproductive health, consent, and the importance of self-esteem, ensuring that girls have the knowledge they need to navigate their adolescent years confidently.
The Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Manual is an essential resource for educators, addressing critical issues related to health, safety, and empowerment for women and girls. It provides practical guidance on recognizing, preventing, and responding to SGBV, fostering a supportive environment in schools.
The manual emphasizes awareness-raising, promoting gender equality, and equipping teachers with the tools to educate students about their rights and resources available for support. By integrating this knowledge into curricula, educators can play a vital role in combating SGBV and promoting a culture of respect and safety.
As a women-focused manual, its launch through the Jewel Starfish Foundation (JSF) emphasizes the foundation’s role as a vehicle for promoting awareness and education around these critical issues. The manual aims to provide essential resources and guidance for addressing sexual and gender-based violence in the community.
Mrs. Brenda B. Moore, Founder and Executive Director of KEEP, expressed her gratitude to JSF for the opportunity to serve as chief launcher. She emphasized the significance of the International Day of the Girl Child, urging participants to recognize and harness their potential.
“I am deeply moved by Madam Moore’s words. Her call for girls to take an active role in the nation’s development resonates strongly with us all. It’s vital that we empower young women to face challenges head-on and pursue their dreams with determination. Together, we can create a future where every girl has the opportunity to contribute to society and realize her full potential.”
In her opening remarks, Norwu Howard, Chair of the Board of the Jewel Starfish Foundation, noted that the foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by former Vice President of Liberia, Chief Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor. With over 20 years of service, the foundation is approaching its 25th anniversary.
The foundation aims to provide free education for underprivileged girls, starting from grade 7 through to university level, as well as offering alternatives for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). This initiative seeks to empower young women by giving them access to quality education and skills training, promoting their personal and professional development.
She highlighted her long history of providing scholarships, showcasing beneficiaries who are now serving in government positions or are self-employed. According to her, many of those trained have successfully advanced in their careers.
“And the reason we are doing this is to empower girls to become leaders in their communities and society. Wherever you find yourself, it’s important to stress that education is essential.”
According to her, it’s important to encourage young people, especially women, to recognize their potential and strive for success in school.
The former VP said: “Education is a powerful tool that can help overcome societal challenges. Highlighting the strength of women and their contributions can inspire others to support and empower one another. By addressing the obstacles women face, we can work towards a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
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