By Muhammad Amaan
No fewer than 250 teachers drawn from five states across the federation have undergone a two-day capacity building workshop on HIV Education and Family Life (FLHE) by the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) Kaduna.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was a collaboration between NTI and the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Director and Chief Executive of NTI, Prof. Musa Garba Maitafsir, disclosed this in Kaduna, while declaring open the training, which was simultaneously held in Kaduna, Cross-River, Imo, Lagos and Taraba States.
He said that the training was in line with the statutory provisions of the Institute, adding, “the collaboration with UNESCO was strategic as the training of 250 teachers.
“It focused on Basic Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Home Economics, Civic Education and Religious Studies.”
Prof. Maitafsir said that the workshop was designed and packaged on Family Life and HIV Education, relationship and society, gender and human rights as well as promoting mental health and well-being.
“HIV Education was far beyond creating awareness about the virus, rather, intended to reduce stigma, discrimination, fear and equipping families with the needed knowledge as well as protecting themselves from the deadly virus.
“NTI is committed to promoting the set objectives, as it believes in empowering families with knowledge and resources, they need to make informed decisions, prevent HIV transmission, provide care and support to the infected individuals,” he said.
The chief executive, therefore, urged the participants of the intensive training to cascade the knowledge to their colleagues.
“I remain resolute, together we work towards building a world where families are not torn apart by HIV, but rather strengthened through love, empathy and education,” Maitafsir added.
He, however, appreciated the commitment of UNESCO, representatives of Kaduna State Ministry of Education and SUBEBs in the training.
Also speaking, the UNESCO Consultant, Mr Oluwaseun Bamidele, said it was a train-the-trainer workshop, which was expected to build the skills of the participants.
He commended the Institute’s director for his commitment on the workshop and the NTI for collaborating with UNESCO in such an important training.
