PROJECT SAGE-GBV AND TRUE LOVE CAMPAIGN OUTREACH AT METHODIST HIGH SCHOOL, MAKURDI

Teenagers Care for Sustainable Development Initiative implemented a combined outreach program featuring Project SAGE-GBV (Strengthening Advocacy for Girls and Women Empowerment Against Gender-Based Violence) and the True Love Campaign at Methodist High School, Makurdi.

The initiative forms part of the organization’s annual February school sensitization activities aimed at guiding teenagers toward healthy relationships while addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) among young people.

Safe Learning Approach

To promote openness and effective participation, teachers and students were separated into different learning sessions. This approach allowed students to freely discuss sensitive topics such as relationships, peer pressure, abuse, and sexuality, while teachers received specialized guidance on identifying and supporting affected students.

True Love Campaign Session

During the student session, facilitators explored the meaning of love beyond societal misconceptions often associated with Valentine’s Day. Participants learned that:

• Love is not lust, pressure, abuse, or sex

• True love is patient, kind, responsible, and respectful

• Emotional maturity and self-control are essential in relationships

Discussions addressed developmental changes among teenagers and the dangers associated with early intimate relationships, including emotional trauma, academic distraction, depression, and exposure to abuse.

Students were also equipped with purity and self-development strategies, emphasizing self-esteem, boundary setting, positive friendships, and focus on future goals.

Project SAGE-GBV Sensitization

The GBV session educated participants on:

• Definition and forms of Gender-Based Violence

• Harmful myths and cultural misconceptions

• Early warning signs of abuse

• Appropriate response and referral pathways

Teachers were trained to recognize behavioral and emotional indicators of abuse and encouraged to provide supportive and safe reporting environments within the school.

Impact and Key Message

The outreach reinforced a powerful message:

Love should never involve fear, force, or control and Gender-Based Violence is never acceptable.

The interactive discussions, scenario-based learning, and question-and-answer sessions enabled both students and educators to gain practical knowledge for preventing abuse and promoting healthy relationships.

Commitment Going Forward

Teenagers Care for Sustainable Development Initiative remains committed to strengthening advocacy, empowering young people with accurate knowledge, and building safer school communities where dignity, respect, and protection are prioritized.