Abuja: The Forum of African Women Educationists (FAWE) Nigeria has called for the training of teachers to enhance child protection and safeguarding practices in schools. The Chairperson of FAWE Nigeria, Mrs. Jiddere Kaddo, emphasized this need during a two-day training event organized by the organization in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB) and supported by Echidna Giving.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the training, themed ‘Understanding the Tuseme Model and Establishing Functional Tuseme Clubs,’ was designed to equip teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to establish Tuseme Clubs in selected schools. Tuseme Clubs, which means ‘Let’s Speak Out’ in Swahili, are student-centered empowerment groups initiated by FAWE in African schools. Originating in Tanzania in 1996, these clubs empower adolescent girls and boys to become confident leaders who advocate for their rights, challenge harmful cultural norms, and address educational barriers.
Kaddo highlighted the crucial role teachers play in ensuring child protection and fostering confidence among students. She stated that the training aimed to establish functional girls’ clubs in schools, emphasizing the importance of nurturing learners, recognizing signs of distress, addressing child protection concerns, and fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and safety. Kaddo further stated, “The establishment of Tuseme is an investment in the future of our girls and our education system. Many girls have the ability to lead but often lack safe spaces for self-expression, confidence building, and leadership skill development.”
The training provided teachers with key concepts, practical examples, case studies, and planning tools to apply child protection practices in their daily work. Through dialogue, mentorship, and learner-led activities, girls gain the confidence to discuss issues affecting their education while developing leadership and problem-solving skills. Kaddo stressed the importance of strengthening teachers’ capacity to establish and support the clubs, noting that this initiative would help create safer, more inclusive, and responsive schools for all learners.
Hajiya Gani Ramatu, the Master Trainer of Tuseme in Nigeria, shared her observations on the transformative impact of the Tuseme model. She noted that the model had significantly improved students’ confidence and leadership skills, particularly among girls, in schools across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Ramatu observed that the introduction of Tuseme had made students more willing to participate in activities such as debates and had fostered teamwork, mutual respect, and communication among learners.
Ramatu highlighted the broader benefits of the model, stating that it would empower girls to take on leadership roles and aspire to achieve high positions in life. Amina Usman, the National Coordinator of FAWE Nigeria, announced plans for further training sessions in selected schools across the FCT and upcoming visits to area councils to sensitize female teachers on the Tuseme model.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that FAWE Nigeria, established in 1996, advocates for girls’ education and addresses barriers to access, retention, and academic performance through policy advocacy and community-based interventions.