EDO COLLEGE BENIN, EDO STATE
It is reported that the highest cases of suicide is commonly found among young people aged 30 years and below. With the understanding that suicide is not limited to any age bracket, our team of facilitators, working with the Commission for Education in Edo state organized a seminar for the students and staff of one of the Oldest Secondary Schools in the state, Edo College Benin. Over 700 students were in attendance and dozens of staff members.
The attendees were taught on topics bordering on mental fitness, suicide prevention, the dangers of drug abuse, dealing with negativity, and rising above challenges commonly faced by young people such as bullying, peer pressure, and dysfunctional family relationships.
The workshop was a huge success as the students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to be exposed to new knowledge which is greatly needed today. Many of the students were enlightened as a result of the teachings and were keen on taking it to their homes, neighbourhood and even other schools. Some of the students were able to detect the symptoms of suicide taught on their family members and requested for help for them. Our facilitators reached out to them and were able to intervene and refer them for professional help.
The Office of the Commissioner for Education for Edo state was so impressed with the details of the training by the MMF and the impact it had on the students at the Edo College that they gave the foundation the authorisation to conduct the workshop in every school in Edo State every Friday.
We are confident that this is the beginning of a global movement to reach young people and empower them mentally and emotionally to live healthy lives and eradicate suicide.
