On Saturday 7th July 2018, I was blessed to participate in a health outreach program for a new school at the time - Char-Rah Prime Academy located in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The health programme titled “My Health, My Wealth” featured a debate between Char-rah Prime Academy students and Victory Kiddies Academy students (a neighboring school in Nasarawa State) on the topic: “Who is Responsible for my Health? My Parents? OR The Nigerian Government?” Learning outcomes from the debate confirmed that we ourselves, our parents, and likewise the Nigerian Government are responsible for ensuring we maintain good health. As such, we are responsible for our primary wellbeing; our parents monitor us and seek medical care. However, we want to call on the Nigerian Government to do more in establishing affordable and accessible health care facilities to all its citizens.
The event was held at and for Char-Rah Prime Academy in colloboration with “Sunshine Foundation for Youth Empowerment Canada" and "The Girls who Strive Education Foundation”.
Sunshine Foundation for Youth Empowerment is a Canadian organization with the aim to provide ample opportunities for empowerment for the African youth through literacy, vocational training and community engagement, to contribute to a wealthy and progressive society at large. Founder: Tobi Tayo
Likewise, Girls who Strive Education Foundation has a vision to empower females (including girl child and young adults) to live their best possible lives through education. In this case, the word “education” represents all knowledge which will further enhance their lives. The organization is also very supportive of the community and general well-being of all citizens of Nigeria. Founder: Faridah Koledoye
On the day of the event, Professional Doctors and Nurses were specially invited to educate our students, parents and entire community of Kuchikau, Nasarawa State, on the benefits of good health and general health consciousness. With the use of interesting and simple images, healthy living habits were taught, while bad habits that could lead to early mortality were vehemently discouraged. Doctor Lauretta Gwary strongly advised that both children and adults visit the hospital for general check ups at least twice a year and exercise daily.
At the end of the debate, free health consultations were given to our students, parents and the entire community of Kuchikau. The free health services included checks of blood pressure, weight, height, and discussions on other medical complaints with professional medical doctors engaged for the day, within the school premises. I was not able to attend myself but had representation from the GWS organization attend and support the event in person. GWS also supported with a financial donation that went towards providing medical services to the students, specifically annual wellness exams including blood pressure and body mass index readings.
Special thanks to everyone that attended the program, including the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) who graced us with their presence to broadcast the event during the weekend to inspire positive social change in Nigerians to partake in community health awareness.
Link to Char-Rah Prime Academy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charrahprimeacademy
Full gallery of the event: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A75qCtzXL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
