Dudu speaks

"Speak Up" campaign which was officially launched at Community Secondary School Ula-upata was an opportunity to impact over 700 participating students with the knowledge of sexual abuse, gender based violence,how to identify and safeguard against this menace.

It was an opportunity for teenagers to access free therapy and confidential counselling on some issues which they're having some difficulty relating to parents, guardian or teacher.

Incorporated with a special debate session, the students were not only taught to argue their points, but to also defend what is right, stand up against predators and Speak Up when facing abuse.

The female students were aided with sanitary materials for period days as a special package of the program.

Additionally, Teevo, a daily guide and devotional for teenagers were shared to them to aid their spiritual growth as they navigate 'teen-hood' while they received salvation.

I specifically thank our hosts, the principal of Ula-upata community secondary school, Ahoada and the beautiful students for a most amazing time of impact.

I'm grateful to God almighty for the purpose, impact and direction to execute this vision.

To the awesome, vibrant and amazing team of VGO Empowerment and Wellness Foundation, I love you all dearly 🫢

To every teenager...

There is something very important you must understand:

Knowledge is not just information; Knowledge is protection...
Knowledge is confidence... Knowledge is freedom...

When you understand what sexual abuse and gender-based violence are, you are no longer confused, silent, or afraid...

You become aware
You become alert
You become empowered

And when young people are empowered, society becomes safer...
This awareness teaches you something powerful — your voice matters.
Your body matters
Your boundaries matter
Your future matters

Every circumstance is an opportunity to stand up, speak clearly, defend your ideas, and show leadership. These are the qualities of future leaders, lawyers, doctors, activists, and change-makers.

One student who speaks boldly today could inspire a thousand others to find their voice tomorrow...

This is something you must know...

You are not too young to make a difference...
You are not too small to create an impact...

The decisions and conversations you begin now can shape a safer and better society...

Learn
Speak
Grow
Communicate wisely

Because empowered students don’t just pass exams —
they change the world.

📢All you need to know about Speak Up seminar

Speak Up- teen voices on sexual abuse and Gender based violence is a campaign borne out of the growing concern on the level of r**e, molestation, homosexuality, peer influence and sexual misinformation on social media. The campaign seeks to provide clarity, direction and enlightenment on several factors that can lead to sexual abuse how teenagers who have been through or are still experiencing such phase can navigate their way to solution, counselling, healthcare and healing.

This all inclusive seminar also constitutes a gender based violence awareness that affects teen boys and girls at home, school and relationship with people. Gender differentiation is a crude phenomenon that bruises self esteem and purpose. It is a cruel restraint over a boy or girl child because of their gender.

Throughout Africa, teen boys and girls are constantly shamed for not being man or feminine enough and forced to succumb to the gender classification of masculine vs feminine careers.

Sexual abuse and Gender based violence exist at all level of society and in various forms and if a teenager is not well guided they may become victims of discrimination because of their gender.

This seminar teaches self worth and self awareness. It teaches teens to recognise their body as theirs and not a place for immoral sexual behaviours.

Speak Up also teaches them how to voice out and deal with gender discrimination and any form of pressure to get into a sexual affair.

This month starting on Friday 6th, we've targeted over 2000 teenagers to be beneficiaries to this campaign. Through confidential therapy sessions, basic healthcare and sensitization this program is tailored to expose the signs of these social ills and how teenagers can protect themselves and also be a voice of hope and solution to their world.

Picnic/prayers/bible study/planning 🍝🍿🥤

We're already campaigning and creating awareness on GBV and sexual abuse...
We're already empowering survivors...
Team GBV advocates ✊✊✊
Empowerment and Wellness Foundation

What the world gives you is a perverted definition of love...

Christ's love is the realest and eternal 💖

Happy Val🍾

So my colleague and i were on our way to the bookstore in the local market when suddenly this little boy rushed pass, leapt to cross the road but a bike was already on him.The boy lay there wringing in pains and clenching his ribs painfully. People gathered the scene in seconds but they were all the while blaming the boy for being so clumsy as to run into the bike. Sincerely, I blamed the boy too.
On our way back we saw this same boy again, limping, slightly stooped and still clenching his ribs.This was a long way from the accident scene. I was too short for words that I stood there watching as he limped pass us.Why, seeing that this boy probably has an internal injury would they let him go without proper medical attention and even tp?
We called him back and it was while we were with him that he told us that he apprenticed as a welder and that his master let him go because of the accident and where he was living was not far and that he could manage on his own.I did a mental calculation of the place he said he lived and I discovered that I myself can hardly make it to that place on foot. After several minutes of persuasion he allowed us take him home.
At what point did this child come to the conclusion that his pain was his alone to bear?
Here was a child stifling pain. Saying he was okay when he was not. Thinking he can beat pain when all the while I could see the pain in his averted eyes and grimaced face.
So many children are deprived of their childhood. All around us little boys are subjugated with manly labour and little girls are taught that it is there job to go out and look for a man that will take care of them after secondary school...
Look closely around you, you'll see them and when you see them, please help them.