In the heart of Borno State, where resilience meets compassion, the Supertouch Kindness Foundation (SKF) has been making waves with its recent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) training initiative. Focused on empowering 60 adolescent girls across two Local Government Areas – Mafa and Jere – this program transcends boundaries, reaching communities like Kaleri, Gwozari, and Mairi (Kasuwan-Dare).

Training for Transformation: Responding to the critical need for GBV awareness and prevention, SKF, in collaboration with UNFPA and WHO, conducted an intensive 3-week training in each community. The curriculum covered everything from the nuanced understanding of GBV to reporting mechanisms, prevention strategies, and the compassionate response to GBV cases. A special emphasis was placed on sexual health, recognizing it as an integral part of the holistic well-being of the community.

Materializing Support: True to its commitment, SKF went beyond training by providing tangible support to the beneficiaries. The NFI (Non-Food Item) distribution was a testament to the organization’s dedication to creating a safer and healthier environment for vulnerable populations. The distribution adhered meticulously to COVID-19 protocols, ensuring the safety of all involved.

Essentials for Dignity and Well-being: The distributed materials aimed at enhancing the well-being and dignity of the beneficiaries. From mats for comfort to perfumed jelly for personal care, each item in the Dignity Kit was carefully chosen to make a meaningful impact. Hand wash, hand sanitizer, and even handwashing setups were included, emphasizing the importance of hygiene for overall health.

Community Engagement and Collaboration: The engagement with each community – Mairi (Kasuwan-Dare) and Kaleri – reflected the spirit of collaboration. Stakeholders, including Bulamas, Women Leaders, and Religious Leaders, actively participated in the verification process and addressed the beneficiaries. This collaborative effort strengthens the community’s resolve to combat GBV and promote a culture of support and understanding.

50 Kits, Countless Stories of Change: With 50 kits distributed in each location, the impact reverberates far beyond the numbers. Each kit represents a story of empowerment, a step towards breaking the cycle of vulnerability, and a testament to the resilience of the communities involved.