UNESCO, CWAY Group Partner to Empower Corps Members on Reproductive Health, Life Skills

UNESCO, CWAY Group Partner to Empower Corps Members on Reproductive Health, Life Skills

By: Michael Mike

A strategic collaboration between UNESCO and the CWAY Group is equipping National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members with critical knowledge on sexual and reproductive health, life planning, and community development.

The initiative, unveiled during an orientation programme, is part of a broader social responsibility effort aimed at reducing risky behaviours among young people while preparing them to become productive contributors to Nigeria’s development.

Speaking at the event, the National Project Officer and Head of Education Sector a.i with UNESCO, Mr. Adeyemi Oladeji explained that the intervention focuses on providing early and accurate information to corps members, particularly during their three-week orientation camp, a period often associated with exposure to risky sexual behaviour.

“This is a preventive approach,” he said. “If young people are properly informed early, they are more likely to make responsible decisions that will not derail their life goals.”

The programme addresses key issues such as teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, HIV prevention, and life skills development. It is also designed to help young people align their personal ambitions with national development goals, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s demographic dividend.

A key component of the initiative is the training of selected corps members under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and HIV Community Development Service (CDS) groups as master trainers. These trained volunteers will extend the campaign beyond schools by engaging out-of-school youths, particularly those in informal sectors such as mechanics, barbers, and hairdressers.

According to Oladeji, out-of-school youths remain among the most vulnerable due to limited access to accurate information and social support systems.

“Most interventions target young people in formal education, but those outside the school system are often neglected despite being highly vulnerable,” he noted.

The trained corps members will conduct community outreach programmes, peer education sessions, and sensitisation campaigns, especially in underserved areas where access to government services is limited. The initiative also emphasizes peer-to-peer education, recognizing that young people are more likely to confide in and learn from their peers.

In addition, the programme integrates voluntary HIV testing services in partnership with health organisations, encouraging corps members to know their status and adopt healthier lifestyles.

“If you know your status, you can take control of your health—whether it means staying negative or managing a positive status effectively,” Oladeji added.

Beyond the camps, the intervention extends to schools and communities. Teachers are being trained to deliver Family Life and HIV Education, while community and religious leaders are being engaged to support the reintegration of out-of-school children, particularly girls affected by early pregnancy or economic hardship.

The initiative is currently being implemented in several states, including Lagos, Ogun, Enugu, and the Federal Capital Territory, in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps, the Federal Ministry of Youth, and the Federal Ministry of Education.

Early feedback indicates strong interest among corps members, many of whom have volunteered to participate as peer educators and community influencers.

Organisers described the response as “encouraging,” noting that participants are eager to make meaningful impact during their service year and beyond.

“This is just the beginning,” Oladeji said. “We are building a generation of informed, responsible young people who can influence others and drive positive change in their communities.”

UNESCO, CWAY Group Partner to Empower Corps Members on Reproductive Health, Life Skills