Adolescence is a time of curiosity, discovery, and transformation. But for many young people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), it is also a time of uncertainty, shaped by misinformation, societal taboos, and limited access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education.

For 15-year-old Amina, growing up in a community where conversations about reproductive health were whispered in secrecy meant she had more questions than answers. When her body started changing, she didn’t know if what she was experiencing was normal or something to be ashamed of. Like many girls in her community, she feared asking questions that might make her seem “wayward.” That changed when she attended one of our adolescent-centered outreach sessions.

 

 

 

“I used to think that if a girl talks about her body, people would judge her. But now, I understand that knowing about my body and my rights is not a bad thing—it is my right,” Amina shared.

 

To address the widespread lack of accurate SRH knowledge among adolescents like Amina, our organization implemented a comprehensive outreach through the UNFPA Funded Out-of-School Comprehensive Learning and Sexuality Education community sensitization project  in four communities across the FCT particularly AMAC LGA: Jikwoyi, Kurudu communities, BWARI LGA: Jigo, Kuduru communities. The initiative was designed not just to inform but to empower young people with knowledge, confidence, and decision-making skills regarding their health and well-being.

One of the most significant aspects of the program was the distribution of a youth-friendly Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) manual to selected community peer educators. Designed with cultural relevance in mind, the manual became a lifeline for continuous learning, utilizing interactive sessions, equipped  400 young people with reliable, easy-to-understand information. More than just a resource, it sparked peer-led education efforts, allowing adolescents to pass on knowledge to friends, siblings, and even parents while challenging harmful myths.

Some participants at one of the community sensitization

Beyond one-time sensitization, we understood that lasting impact requires sustained engagement. That’s why we trained 32 youth champions—young leaders committed to championing sexual and reproductive health awareness in their communities. These champions, once hesitant to speak up, are now leading peer-to-peer education sessions and advocating for healthier choices among their peers.

Through their outreach, an additional 1,920 adolescents received peer to peer guidance on SRH topics, making the ripple effect of the program undeniable. For every young person empowered, an entire network of change was set in motion. For many of the adolescents we engaged, the impact of this program extends far beyond what statistics can capture. It’s about the quiet confidence of a girl who now understands that menstruation is not a curse but a natural part of life. It’s about a boy who has learned that respect and consent matter in relationships. It’s about parents and guardians who, after years of silence, are beginning to acknowledge the importance of open conversations about adolescent health.

 

 


“Before this program, my friends and I got all our information from social media, and most of it was wrong. Now, I can confidently say I have the right knowledge, and I help others make better choices.”- Emmanuel, a 17-year-old youth champion said.

 

This initiative is not just about information—it is about transformation. By breaking down barriers to knowledge, we are shifting mindsets, empowering adolescents, and shaping a future where young people can make informed, healthy decisions about their bodies and their lives.

The success of this initiative has shown that when young people are given access to the right information in safe, supportive environments, they thrive. But there is still work to be done. Sustainable impact means continuing to engage, educate, and empower—because every adolescent deserves the opportunity to grow with confidence, free from fear and misinformation.

Through knowledge, we build confidence. Through confidence, we drive change. And through change, we create a future where every adolescent can realize their full potential.