Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Light House Leads Empowerment Initiative at FGGC Abuloma on International Day of the Girl Child
By Precious Ahiakwo
Port Harcourt – In a significant gesture to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Light House, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Eco and alumni of Unity Schools in Port Harcourt, organized a comprehensive outreach at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) Abuloma.
The event, focused on improving the hygiene, health, and well-being of young girls, while also addressing environmental concerns and mental health awareness.
The day’s activities began with sensitization talks led by members of the Rotary Clubs and Unity Schools alumni. The talks were centered around this year’s theme for the International Day of the Girl Child, which emphasized the need for girls to envision a brighter and more empowered future. Speakers took turns educating the students on the importance of health, hygiene, and personal development.
Dr. Chineye Ogbonna-Martins, President of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Light House, while explaining the significance of the day’s events, in her speech, noted, “Today is about giving back and investing in your future. Through education, hygiene, and self-care, we aim to empower you, the next generation of leaders, to grow strong and confident.”
As part of the activities, over two hundred Sanitary Goody Packs, each containing essential hygiene items like sanitary pads, deodorants, toothpaste, tissue paper, bleach, bathing soap, and washing soap, were distributed to the students. The initiative was designed to improve the students’ sanitary hygiene and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Dr. Ogbonna-Martins explained that good hygiene is a cornerstone of self-respect and self-care, and by providing these items, the Rotary Clubs aim to ensure that no girl has to miss school due to lack of basic hygiene products.
Building on the focus of community service and environmental sustainability, members of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Light House, along with the students, participated in a tree-planting exercise on the school grounds. Economic trees were planted in various locations to promote sustainability and environmental consciousness among the students. The initiative aligns with Rotary International’s focus on supporting the environment, a key area of service for the organization.
The tree-planting activity also coincided with preparations for the upcoming World Polio Day, serving as a reminder of Rotary’s ongoing commitment to eradicating polio and promoting health worldwide.
In a further contribution to the school’s environment, Rotary members carried out a sanitation exercise around the school premises and donated sanitation tools, reinforcing the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in educational institutions.
Another highlight of the event was a specialized session aimed at the school’s staff. IPP Kelechi Okezie, a past president of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Airfield delivered an insightful talk on stress management and social inclusion for the teachers. This segment was designed to equip educators with the tools to manage their own well-being while fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for their students. Okezie emphasized the importance of teachers’ mental health, particularly in challenging environments, and encouraged them to adopt practices that would help them balance the demands of their profession.
Dr. Oduah Rita, Deputy Principal Academics for Junior School at FGGC Abuloma, expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the school.
In her closing remarks, she said, “The generosity and support shown today will leave a lasting impact on our students and staff. Your efforts have given these girls the tools to manage their hygiene, health, and self-care, which will benefit them far beyond their time in school.” She commended the Rotary Clubs and Unity Schools alumni for their thoughtful and practical contributions, noting that the tree-planting initiative would leave a lasting legacy on the school’s landscape.
The event successfully combined education, health, and environmental initiatives, offering the students not only tangible resources but also emotional and psychological support. The collaborative effort by the Rotary Clubs and Unity Schools alumni underscores the power of community involvement in shaping the future of young girls.
As part of their ongoing commitment to empowering women and girls, the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Light House and its partners are dedicated to continuing such initiatives, with plans for future outreach and capacity-building projects aimed at improving the lives of girls and young women in the region.
The celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child at FGGC Abuloma serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in girls’ futures, ensuring they have the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive. This initiative stands as a testament to Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” and the powerful impact of collective action in empowering the next generation.