Friday, 18th April 2025, the Pujehun District Students’ Association (PuDSA) has successfully concluded its Girls’ Mentorship and Coaching Seminar, culminating in the official launch of the PuDSA Gender School Clubs across Pujehun District.
The event held at the Pujehun District Council Hall brought together students from different secondary schools across Pujehun District, PuDSA members and District Stakeholders.
This initiative according to Ambassador Sahid P.J Abu, PuDSA National President is aimed to foster gender equality and empower young girls through structured mentorship and educational support.
He said, the seminar provided a platform for young girls to engage with mentors, discuss challenges and develop strategies for personal and academic growth.
President Abu revealed that, the program focused on enhancing self-confidence, leadership skills and awareness of gender-related laws in Pujehun District.
He spoke on the newly launched Gender School Clubs which according to him are set to operate within various schools in Pujehun District, offering continuous support and resources to students. These clubs will serve as safe spaces for discussions on gender equality, teenage pregnancy, child marriage, reproductive health and other pertinent topics, aligning with PuDSA’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and cultural pride among its members.
This development according to Markfason Ambrose Momoh Massaquoi, the National Public Relations Officer and Head of Strategic Communications Units at PuDSA complement ongoing efforts by non governmental organizations and government ministries, emphasizing the importance of educating adolescents on these critical issues.
In his maiden speech, Dr. Francis Mustapha Kaikai, former Minister of Planning and Economic Development and as Guest Speaker of the event delivered his keynote address on the Pujehun District Students’ Association Girls Mentorship and Coaching Seminar and called on the participants, more particularly the girl child to be focused and determine on their studies. He said, the most important thing at the event is the awareness raising among the girls, their roles and responsibilities and thanked PuDSA for the program.
Admire Hawa Kanneh, a pupil of Zimmi Government School said, the program was about girls empowerment and how to address the challenges they face like teenage pregnancy and child abuse as girls. She called on stakeholders collaboration with NGOs for a brighter future for girls. Jebbeh Sandi, a pupil of Husrichel Secondary School in Fairo joined other speakers to thank PuDSA for the important and timely engagement.
Through these concerted efforts, PuDSA continues to play a pivotal role in addressing educational challenges and promoting gender equality in Pujehun District.
Certificates of Appreciation for PuDSA outgoing students from various universities in Sierra Leone and the Launch of the PuDSA Gender School Clubs climaxed the occasion.