Game On for Girls’ Health! Novelty Match Boosts HPV Awareness in Ondo State

Christmas is a season of hope, love, and togetherness, values that are especially meaningful in the lives of children. For children, Christmas is more than a holiday; it is a time to feel seen, cherished, and reminded that they matter. Celebrating children during this season helps nurture their sense of belonging, builds joyful memories, and reinforces positive values that can shape their growth and confidence. It is with this understanding that the Kids and Teen Resource Centre hosted a heartwarming Children’s Christmas Party, bringing together fun, learning, and meaningful engagement in a safe and festive environment. The event was thoughtfully designed not only to celebrate the joy of the season, but also to reinforce positive values, promote awareness, and equip children and teenagers with essential life skills in an engaging and age-appropriate way. Children seated and ready for the day’s activities. A Warm and Colorful Beginning The day began with cheerful Christmas decorations that transformed the venue into a bright and welcoming environment. As the children arrived, excitement filled the air. Smiles widened as they enjoyed face painting, laughter echoed across the room, and the space slowly came alive with color, curiosity, and anticipation. From the very start, it was

Kids & Teens Resource Centre joined the global community to mark World AIDS Day 2025, standing with young people, families, and health stakeholders to strengthen the fight against HIV. This year’s commemoration, organized by the Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA), brought together institutions, secondary school students, corps members, community volunteers, and civil society organizations across Akure. Deputy Governor Dr. Olaide Adelami delivering remarks at the Government House before the HIV Awareness Walk. Before the walk began, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olaide Adelami, addressed participants at the Government House. He emphasized the importance of investing in prevention, increasing access to accurate information, and supporting individuals living with HIV without stigma or discrimination. His message set a strong tone for the day and reaffirmed the state’s dedication to protecting young people. Following the speech, the awareness walk took off from the Government House through key routes in Akure. Students, corps members, NGOs, community groups, and ODSACA representatives participated, drawing public attention to the message of testing, prevention, and collective action in ending AIDS. Students, corps members, NGOs, and community volunteers walking through Akure to raise awareness for World AIDS Day. During the event, Kids &

We officially kicked off the second phase of the OYA Campaign, in partnership with Girl Effect, and we are excited to continue empowering girls and their families with the knowledge they need for a healthier future. The OYA Campaign focuses on strengthening community awareness around HPV prevention, nutrition, and girls’ long-term wellbeing. Through this initiative, we aim to ensure that every girl, especially those in underserved communities has access to accurate information and supportive environments. 1. HPV Awareness & Education A major focus of this phase is educating 9-year-old girls and their parents about the HPV vaccine, an essential tool for preventing cervical cancer. Our team is working directly within communities, explaining: What HPV is Why early vaccination is important How parents can support their daughters’ health Parents expressed gratitude for receiving information they had never heard before. Primary school pupils displaying their HPV vaccination registration cards as part of the OYA Campaign outreach. Administering the HPV vaccine to a student during the OYA Campaign Phase Two exercise. 2. Nutrition for Growth & Well-being We are also teaching families the importance of nutrition in supporting: Healthy physical growth Strong immunity Overall wellbeing for girls and the entire household During our