By Kisean Joseph
[email protected]
Integrated Health Outreach (IHO), a non-profit organization in Antigua and Barbuda, has implemented an innovative after-school program at Ottos Comprehensive School (OCS) to address gender-based violence (GBV) in Antigua and Barbuda.
The students have shown keen interest in confronting this critical social issue.
“Gender-based violence is a gross violation of human rights, a public health crisis, an obstacle to sustainable development, and a scourge that our society too often ignores,” said Kieron Murdoch, communications and admin specialist at IHO.
The program, led by OCS school counsellor and Pastor Karen Germaine, aims to combat negative social attitudes early on while providing students with essential knowledge and understanding.
The initiative is funded by the Equality Fund (EF) – a body concerned with gender equality, which EF takes a unique approach by combining educational content with creative expression. Students participate in various activities, including skits and poster design, allowing them to engage with the subject matter meaningfully while developing their comprehension of gender-based violence prevention.
“Sadly, youth may be exposed to gender-based violence, may be exposed to negative attitudes that promote GBV, or may be victims of GBV themselves,” Murdoch explained. “Through these sessions, IHO is connecting with school-aged boys and girls to raise awareness about GBV and empower youth with the information and sensitivity they need to help change the culture of violence.”
The program’s success is evident through the students’ responses. “The facilitators reported that they were pleasantly surprised in terms of the interest shown by the young persons involved, their receptiveness to the information, and their willingness to discuss and to share,” Murdoch said.
With the enthusiasm for the program, the OCS students have been demonstrating their understanding and commitment to addressing the issue.
The initiative complements existing educational frameworks within the school system and is building upon concepts already in the regular curriculum. While many participants have previously explored related topics through health and family life education courses or sessions with school counselors, this program offers a dedicated space for more focused discussion and peer interaction.
IHO’s approach emphasizes the importance of age-appropriate content and creating safe spaces for discussion. “It is so important that you do have those spaces, age-appropriate spaces, that you can bring youth into where you’re able to have those discussions,” Murdoch said. “Sometimes difficult discussions, but you’re able to have them in a way that is safe, that is sensitive to the ages that you’re dealing with.”
The weekly sessions, which concluded shortly before the end of the term, reflect IHO’s broader mission to enhance community well-being through a holistic approach to social health.
“Many reported that they were pleased to be able to engage with their classmates, their fellow young people, when you’re better aware of something, you better understand something, you’re in a better position to grapple with these issues as you progress through life.
“The success of this Equality Fund-supported initiative demonstrates the vital importance of engaging youth in the ongoing effort to combat gender-based violence in Antigua and Barbuda,” Murdoch said.
The IHO is committed to working with schools, other NGOs, and community agencies to address social issues and promote positive change.
