By Abasi Ita
Efforts to end sexual violence in schools have received a major boost as Project Alert, in collaboration with the Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI), launched a “Kasa (Speak Out)” Club at the Special Education Secondary School in Calabar.
The initiative, supported by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), is designed to create safe spaces where students, especially those with special needs, can speak up against sexual abuse and receive appropriate support.
Speaking during the event, the Head of Programmes at the Girls’ Power Initiative, Calabar Centre, Mrs. Ndodeye Bassey-Obongha, said the campaign seeks to strengthen advocacy against sexual violence, promote awareness on preventive measures, uphold students’ rights, and encourage survivors to report cases without fear of stigma or retaliation.
She described the visit as both impactful and emotional, noting that several students shared personal experiences and accounts of sexual abuse around them. “I was deeply touched by the number of cases narrated by these adolescents with special needs. It shows we still have a long way to go in tackling sexual violence in our schools,” she said.
The group noted that adolescents with disabilities are often more vulnerable to abuse due to communication barriers, lack of awareness, and inadequate protective structures. The Kasa Club, therefore, provides an inclusive platform for students to express themselves, access guidance, and advocate for safer learning environments.
Project Alert and GPI reaffirmed their commitment to working with relevant authorities to ensure that schools in Cross River State remain safe spaces for all children.
They also called on parents, teachers, and policymakers to intensify efforts toward enforcing child protection laws and supporting survivors of sexual violence.
The event concluded with the distribution of advocacy materials and a pledge by students to serve as “safety ambassadors” in promoting respect, consent, and accountability among their peers.