The Principal of Government Secondary School (GSS), Wuse Zone 1, Abuja, Mrs Bilkisu Ibrahim, has commended non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for supporting youth enlightenment, empowerment and peace-building initiatives in schools across the Federal Capital Territory.
Ibrahim gave the commendation after the Change a Child Community Initiative, led by Blessing Oluchukwu Awamba, organised a sensitisation programme for students on peaceful coexistence, youth empowerment and community development.
She said the school welcomed external facilitators because students often paid closer attention to messages delivered by people outside their immediate school environment, particularly when the programmes addressed issues affecting their personal development and society.
According to her, some NGOs also support students through the distribution of sanitary pads and the provision of scholarships for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The principal described the peace-building programme as timely, particularly as the country approaches another election period when young people could be vulnerable to manipulation and recruitment into acts of violence. She expressed confidence that the lessons would guide students during the forthcoming school break and discourage them from participating in activities that threaten public peace.
Ibrahim said the school would continue to educate students on the importance of avoiding violence and staying away from political activities considered inappropriate for their age. She urged them to remain peaceful when interacting with others, regardless of their differences.
A student of the school, Abeki Isaac Bryan, said the sensitisation programme had taught him the importance of listening to others, treating people fairly and avoiding favouritism. He added that young people should embrace peaceful approaches to resolving disagreements rather than resorting to violence.
Bryan said he intended to apply the lessons by giving others equal consideration, listening to different perspectives and treating people fairly in his daily interactions.
Similarly, students of Government Model Secondary School, Jikwoyi, Abuja, urged their peers to embrace tolerance, forgiveness and peaceful conflict resolution.
An SS1 student, Adakole Ochemaike, said promoting peace should begin with individual behavioural change before extending to other members of the community. He described peace as essential to building a united society and emphasised the importance of respecting different opinions and practising tolerance.
Another student, Unique Winner Joseph, identified forgiveness and tolerance as important values for preventing disagreements and maintaining peaceful relationships. He also said the programme had taught him the importance of teamwork and considering other people’s ideas when working towards a common goal.
The students’ contributions highlighted the importance of extending peace education beyond classroom discussions by encouraging young people to practise fairness, tolerance, forgiveness and constructive conflict resolution in their everyday lives.
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