Health and Life Planning Clubs in Schools

INTRODUCTION

The recognition of peer influence on behaviour and behavioural changes among youths has been well documented worldwide. To this end, Action Health Incorporated in its multidimensional approach to inform, educate, and counsel the adolescents on life planning, reproductive health and other social issues that affect adolescents during this stage of their development has since 1990, embarked on training of volunteer students from secondary schools in Lagos State to become Adolescent Peer Educators in their respective schools.

The need for Peer Educators to operate on a solid foundation to reach out to a large number of students with reproductive health and life planning educational messages, also necessitated the establishment of Health and Life Planning Clubs (HLPC) in schools. The Peer Educators act as coordinators of the clubs in their schools and also serve as a link between the clubs and AHI. AHI’s Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Officers oversee the activities of the Peer Educators and also provide back-up educational/counselling services.

OBJECTIVES

To use the club in schools as a forum to implement reproductive health and life planning educational activities that will:

1. Provide learning experiences and guidance relevant to the needs, concerns, interests, and aspirations of the adolescents that arise out of their psychological and biological development.
2. Help the students develop attitudes, values, goals, and behaviours based on sound knowledge that are conducive to their expression of their being male or female in a positive and responsible manner.
3. Prepare them to lead full and enriching lives.

CLUB ACTIVITIES

The activities carried out by the clubs include providing basic information on reproductive biology, the implications of early sexual activity, dangers of abortion, responsibilities of marriage and parenthood, sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS, drug abuse, and life planning issues such as self-esteem, personal values, goal setting, decision making skills, career planning and counselling skills. These information are passed across through lectures, group discussions, film shows, debates and quiz competitions.

IS THERE A CLUB IN YOUR SCHOOL?

Health and Life Planning Clubs have been established in all the 33 secondary schools in Somolu Local Education District of Lagos State. In each school a teacher is also assigned to supervise and moderate the activities of the Peer Educators and the Club.

HOW TO BECOME A MEMBER?

Membership is open to all students irrespective of age, sex, and class. To join the club, contact the Peer Educators in your school.