The Directorate of Community Relations and Outreach Programmes (DCROP) of the University for Development Studies, in collaboration with the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) has held a three-day training workshop in Tamale for students who will be embarking on the Third Trimester Field Practical Programme (TTFPP) for the very first time. 

At the opening of the training, the Director of the Directorate of Community Relations and Outreach Programmes, Prof. Addah Weseh said one of the areas that the University places priority on, when dispatching students to the various communities, is reproductive health. According to him, the training was therefore aimed at building the capacities of the students on the Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) to become advocates in their respective communities. He stated that, reproductive health education and sensitization will help eradicate, some of the health risk factors in rural communities.

He urged the students to participate and contribute to the training as they will become peer educators on SRHR.

The project coordinator of PPAG, Mr. Adam Asabke Abugbila commended UDS for setting the pace to capacitate students to become ambassadors of SRHR. He emphasised the need for persons living within the catchment area of UDS’ TTFPP to be educated on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights.

The students were made up group leaders of level 200 who would be posted to the Tatale-Sanguli District, Kariga District, Gushegu District, Zabzugu District, Yendi Municipality and the East Mamprusi District.

Facilitators of the training included, the Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Manager, Mr. Asamoah Boateng, the Programmes Manager, Mr. Bedi Anyoka, the Youth Programme Officer, Mr. Maxwell Ayomba, a senior Midwife and Lecturer, Madam, Francisca Asagbila and the Executive Director of TOLEC Ghana, Mr. Peter Minter Amadu.

Also present at the training was the Deputy Director of the Directorate of Community Relations and Outreach Programmes (DCROP), Dr. Nashiru Sulemana.

Story by:
Hamdan Wumpeka Amadu and Ali Abdur Razaq Danbo
(UDS Media)