Rivers ATM Network Seeks Education Ministry’s Support for GBV, Human Rights Sensitization in Schools

PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State – The State Advocacy Team, SAT, of the ATM Networks in Rivers State has called on the Rivers State Ministry of Education to approve sensitization programs on Gender-Based Violence, GBV, and Gender-Related Human Rights, GHR, in secondary schools across selected Local Government Areas.

The team, led by the State Coordinator of the TB Network, Mr. Messiah Fyneface Muzan, paid an advocacy and familiarization visit to the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peter Nwagor, on behalf of the Global Fund-supported Integrated Community-Led Monitoring, CLM, Project.

Purpose of the Visit

Mr. Muzan said the ATM Networks, which comprise the TB, HIV and Malaria Networks, are implementing the CLM Project to promote community ownership of health facilities, accountability in service delivery, and improved access to healthcare.

He explained that through community engagements, the network has observed rising cases of GBV and human rights violations, including sexual abuse, domestic violence, child exploitation and other harmful practices affecting women, children and vulnerable groups.

To address this, the team is seeking the Ministry’s approval to conduct GBV/GHR sensitization in secondary schools.  

“The goal is to educate students on their rights, available reporting channels, and the dangers of violence, abuse and discrimination,” Mr. Muzan stated. “Many victims remain silent due to fear and stigma simply because they don’t know where to report.”

Proposed School Sensitization Focus

According to the SAT, the planned sessions will focus on:  

Prevention of GBV and GHR violations  

Awareness of reporting channels and support services  

Protection of children and adolescents from abuse and exploitation  

Promoting safe and supportive school environments  

The team also requested an authorization letter from the Ministry to facilitate access to schools and engagement with school administrators.

Commissioner’s Response

In his response, Dr. Nwagor commended the ATM Network for its contributions to community development and youth protection. 

He noted that current social challenges require deliberate interventions to protect students.  

“We acknowledge the importance of sensitization and awareness programs for our young people in schools,” the Commissioner said. “We are willing to support this initiative.”

Dr. Nwagor advised the team to submit the necessary documentation to enable the processing of the approval letter for implementation in targeted schools.

The advocacy team also used the opportunity to draw attention to poor infrastructure in some rural schools, including inadequate furniture and learning facilities, and appealed to the Ministry to consider interventions to improve learning conditions.

Outcome

The Ministry acknowledged the relevance of the proposed sensitization activities. The TB Network was directed to complete and submit the required documents for approval to proceed.

The CLM Project, supported by the Global Fund, continues to work with communities to monitor service delivery and advocate for better health and social outcomes in Rivers State.

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