Speak Up AYAB launches safe space intervention for adolescents and young adults

The ARISE Adolescent and Youth Advisory Board (ARISE AYAB) successfully implemented its Speak Up project at St. Andrew Secondary School, Sabo, Ondo West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. The programme was designed as a school-based adolescent health intervention focused on improving students' understanding of consent, healthy relationships, personal safety and respectful communication.

The project, implemented in Nigeria on 5 May 2026, was led by the Nigerian Representative on the ARISE AYAB, Miss Miriam Yusuff, in response to the growing need for more intentional and practical conversations around adolescent wellbeing, especially on subjects of rape, sexual molestation and false allegations.

Fifty in-school adolescents participated in the structured and interactive session, which was facilitated by healthcare professionals and trained volunteers. Activities included pre- and post-session assessments, visual presentations, scenario-based discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and conversations around healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics.

The successful implementation of the programme was made possible through the support and collaboration of the school management, facilitators, volunteers and supporting partners: the University of Ibadan Research Foundation (UI-RF), ARISE DASH and the NUTRINT Network.

The engagement and responses during the session reflected the importance and relevance of sustained adolescent-focused health education initiatives within our communities. Following discussions on healthy and unhealthy relationship dynamics, participants were given information, education and communication (IEC) materials to encourage further conversations with their parents and guardians.

The AYAB Speak Up project represents more than a single intervention; it reflects a commitment to creating safer, more informed spaces for young people to learn, speak up and make healthier decisions as they grow.