The MTN Ghana Foundation has officially kicked off its participation in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign by holding a major sensitization event with pupils at the New Asafo Basic and Junior High School (JHS) in the Asokwa area of Kumasi.
The engagement, held on Tuesday, saw the Foundation zero in on educating young people about the pervasive nature of gender-based violence (GBV) and the critical need to foster a culture of respect, equality, and digital safety among school-aged children.
The global campaign, which runs annually from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day), aims to galvanize action worldwide to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
Addressing the pupils, Mr. George Kyei Frimpong, Education Portfolio Advisor for the MTN Foundation, underscored the event’s primary goal: to sensitize the students against GBV, with a specific emphasis on violence targeting females.
Mr. Frimpong urged the student body to actively cultivate a respectful and supportive environment. He specifically admonished the male students to treat their female colleagues and friends with dignity and to shun all discriminatory or marginalizing tendencies within the school setting.
A critical segment of the sensitization focused on the escalating challenge of cyberbullying and digital violence, which Mr. Frimpong noted stems from the increased use of the internet among the youth.
He highlighted that this online abuse often severely impacts the victims’ behavior and emotional well-being in real life, pointing out that most of these gender-based digital attacks are disproportionately targeted at females.
“The MTN Foundation is deeply committed to halting this creeping canker, including digital violence which seems to flood the internet and social media pages,” Mr. Frimpong stated. He emphasized that the awareness campaign is designed to ensure that pupils “will grow to abhor and actively oppose such violence, just as MTN does.”
A key feature of the event was a stimulating debate competition between male and female JHS students on the motion: “Teaching boys and girls the same content will prevent violence.”
The team arguing For the motion—comprising Precious Amoako, Freda Adomako, and Bridget Yeboah—contended that educational equality in content would significantly contribute to instilling discipline and preventing GBV by fostering mutual respect and an equal understanding of roles.
Conversely, the team arguing Against the motion—made up of Desmond Owusu Kakari, Lucky Asafo Agyei, and Nowell Ayiyona Abugre—insisted that while content equality is important, it does not automatically translate to effectiveness in preventing violence. They suggested that other factors, such as the social environment and distinct emotional intelligence training, are necessary complements.
Following three rounds of persuasive arguments, the girls’ team secured the victory, earning 842 points against the boys’ 820 points.
In recognition of their efforts, the MTN Foundation presented all debaters with branded rewards, including t-shirts, pens, and books.
Furthermore, demonstrating a commitment to the school’s long-term educational goals, the Foundation made a significant donation to the New Asafo Basic and JHS school’s computer lab. The donation included tablets and other computer lab equipment intended to bolster the pupils’ Information and Communication Technology (ICT) learning.
The MTN Foundation’s event successfully merged the urgent call to end GBV with practical support for educational advancement, leaving a dual message of social consciousness and academic encouragement with the Kumasi pupils.
