Empowering Young Women at Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School
On May 28, 2025, Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (CALMHAF) partnered with the Rangers International Football Club Foundation to launch a transformative student-to-student initiative at Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School in Enugu, Nigeria. This community outreach program was designed to tackle critical issues surrounding menstrual hygiene, its impact on mental health, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), self-awareness, and personal empowerment. By fostering open dialogue and equipping young women with knowledge and tools, the initiative aimed to create lasting change in the lives of participants and their communities.
A Focused and Measurable Approach at Trans Ekulu
The first phase of this outreach deliberately targeted a select group of 20 girls from Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School, ensuring a manageable and impactful start. By keeping the cohort small, CALMHAF and RIFC Foundation could closely monitor progress, foster meaningful engagement, and tailor the intervention to the specific needs of the participants. The program was structured to empower these girls not only as beneficiaries but also as peer educators, capable of sharing their knowledge with others in their school and beyond. This student-to-student model is a cornerstone of CALMHAF’s strategy to ensure the sustainability and scalability of their interventions.
The initiative covered a range of interconnected topics:
Menstrual Hygiene Education: Participants learned about proper menstrual hygiene practices, dispelling myths and addressing stigma. The program highlighted affordable and sustainable menstrual products, emphasizing their role in promoting dignity and confidence.
Mental Health Awareness: Facilitators explored how poor menstrual hygiene, lack of access to sanitary products, and societal taboos can contribute to stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem. The girls were taught coping mechanisms and strategies to prioritize their mental well-being.
SGBV Solutions: The outreach included discussions on recognizing and preventing sexual and gender-based violence, empowering the girls to advocate for themselves and others. Practical tools, such as how to seek help and report incidents, were shared.
Self-Awareness and Empowerment: Through interactive workshops, participants were encouraged to build self-confidence, set personal goals, and embrace their potential as leaders in their communities.
A Collaborative Effort with Lasting Impact
Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School was transformed into a safe and welcoming space for learning and dialogue. Trained facilitators from CALMHAF led the sessions, employing a mix of presentations, group discussions, and hands-on activities to ensure the content was engaging and accessible. The girls were encouraged to ask questions, share their experiences, and connect with one another, fostering a sense of sisterhood and mutual support.
Celebrating Achievement with COLI Mental Health Academy
At the close of the outreach, each of the 20 participants received a certificate of participation from COLI Mental Health Academy, the educational arm of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation. These certificates were more than just tokens of attendance—they represented the girls’ commitment to personal growth and their new roles as ambassadors of change. The academy, accredited by the International Association of Therapists UK, is recognized for its high-quality training programs in mental health and wellness. This accreditation underscores CALMHAF’s / COLI Academy’s credibility and dedication to delivering impactful, evidence-based interventions.
The certificate ceremony was a moment of pride and celebration at Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School, attended by representatives from both CALMHAF and Rangers International, as well as school officials. The girls beamed with pride as they received their certificates, many expressing their eagerness to share what they had learned with their peers and families.
Looking Ahead: Building a Movement from Trans Ekulu
This Menstrual Hygiene Day initiative at Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School marks the beginning of a broader vision for Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation. By equipping these 20 girls with knowledge and leadership skills, CALMHAF has planted the seeds for a ripple effect that will extend far beyond the school’s walls. The student-to-student model ensures that the lessons learned will continue to spread, creating a network of informed and empowered young women who can challenge stigma, advocate for better resources, and support one another.
Future phases of the program will aim to reach more girls and expand into additional communities, building on the success of this pilot at Trans Ekulu. CALMHAF also plans to engage boys and young men in similar initiatives, recognizing their role in dismantling gender-based stigma and fostering a more inclusive society. Partnerships with organizations like Rangers International will remain central to these efforts, combining resources and expertise to maximize impact.
A Call to Action
The success of this initiative at Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School highlights the power of community-driven solutions to address pressing social issues. Menstrual hygiene, mental health, and gender-based violence are interconnected challenges that require bold, collaborative action. Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation invites individuals, organizations, and policymakers to join their mission by supporting programs that empower young women and promote holistic well-being.
To learn more about CALMHAF’s work or to get involved, visit their website at www.copeandlive.foundation or contact their team directly on +234814 831 8965. Together, we can create a world where every girl has the knowledge, resources, and confidence to thrive.
About Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation
Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (CALMHAF) is a Nigerian-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health, gender equality, and community empowerment. Through its accredited COLI Mental Health Academy, the foundation provides training and outreach programs that address critical issues such as menstrual hygiene, SGBV, and self-awareness. CALMHAF is committed to creating sustainable change by empowering individuals and communities to take charge of their well-being.
About the Writer:
Reverend Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu is the Founder and Executive Director of the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation. He holds a Level 3 Mental Health Diploma. He is a trained Grief and Bereavement Counsellor, Depression Counsellor, Emotional Intelligence Life Coach, and Couple Counsellor. Additionally, he is a SAMHI Dual Diagnosis Practitioner and an International Olympic Committee Sports Administrator."
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