Teachers are pillars of strength for students. Their roles as mediators and resourceful guides in students' lives, along with their contributions to promoting girl-child education, were highlighted on the fourth day of the Teachers' Sensitization on Community Awareness Advocacy for the Establishment of the Girl Child's Right to Early Education in Imo State. This event was organized by the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC) in partnership with the Imo State Government, my office, and 10 Miles Resources Limited.

Represented by the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Hon. Nkechinyere Ugwu UNJP, I appreciated the efforts of Imo teachers in shaping the future of our girls. I urged them to continue providing guidance and support, empowering young girls to stand up for their rights and contribute meaningfully to their families and society.

The NMEC Program Coordinator, Mr. Adenola Mutiu Adebola, and Session Facilitator, Mrs. Assumpta Ogbodo, encouraged teachers never to turn a blind eye when they notice a girl going astray. Instead, they advised teachers to bring such students closer, engage them in conversations, teach them basic etiquette, and guide them toward positive activities. They also emphasized the importance of being approachable and creating a supportive environment where girls feel safe to open up.

The day culminated in an interactive session with teachers and an advocacy visit to Girls Secondary School, Ikenegbu, where students received school bags, books, sanitary pads, and other educational materials. The students expressed their delight and gratitude for the gifts and appreciated the organizers for bringing the advocacy initiative to them.

#chiomauzodimma

H.E. Chief Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma
First Lady, Imo State and Founder, GoodHope Flourish Foundation
and Secretary of Renewed Hope Initiative.