The Forum of African Women Educationists (FAWE) Nigeria has called for the training of teachers to strengthen child protection and safeguarding practices in schools.
The Chairperson of FAWE Nigeria, Mrs. Jiddere Kaddo, made the call during a two-day training organised by the organisation in collaboration with the Federal Capital Territory Universal Basic Education Board (FCT UBEB), with support from Echidna Giving.
The training, themed “Understanding the Tuseme Model and Establishing Functional Tuseme Clubs,” was aimed at equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills required to establish functional Tuseme Clubs in selected schools.
Tuseme Clubs, a Swahili phrase meaning “Let’s Speak Out,” are student-centred empowerment groups established in African schools by FAWE. Originating in Tanzania in 1996, the initiative empowers adolescent girls and boys to become confident leaders who advocate for their rights, resist harmful cultural norms and address barriers to education.
Kaddo said teachers play a critical role in ensuring that every child is protected from harm while helping them build confidence and self-esteem.
She explained that the training on the Tuseme model was designed to support the establishment of functional girls’ clubs in schools.
According to her, teachers are entrusted not only with academic instruction but also with nurturing learners, recognising signs of distress, responding to child protection concerns and fostering a culture of respect, inclusion and safety.
“We take it really serious in following on the issues of inclusion and safety.
“The establishment of Tuseme is an investment in the future of our girls and our education system.
“We know that many girls have the ability to lead, but they often lack safe spaces where they can express themselves, build confidence and develop leadership skills,” Kaddo said.
She noted that the training provided key concepts, practical examples, case studies and planning tools to help teachers integrate child protection practices into their daily work.
Kaddo added that through dialogue, mentorship and learner-led activities, girls gain the confidence to speak out on issues affecting their education while developing leadership and problem-solving skills.
She stressed the need to strengthen teachers’ capacity to establish and support the clubs, noting that the initiative would help create safer, more inclusive and responsive learning environments.
The Master Trainer of Tuseme in Nigeria, Hajiya Gani Ramatu, said the model had transformed learners, particularly girls, by building confidence and leadership skills in schools across the Federal Capital Territory.
Ramatu said she had witnessed remarkable improvements among pupils since the introduction of Tuseme in her school.
“Initially, the girls were shy and reluctant to participate in club activities.
“But with the introduction of Tuseme, these children are now bold, confident and willingly participate in activities such as debates,” she said.
According to her, the programme has strengthened teamwork, mutual respect and communication among learners.
“The most important achievement is that learners can now stand up, speak for themselves, identify their challenges and take action to address them,” she said.
Ramatu said the model would significantly benefit the education sector by enabling more girls to attain leadership positions.
“With the introduction of Tuseme Clubs, girls will be empowered to take up leadership roles. They can become bold and aspire to the highest positions in life,” she said.
The National Coordinator of FAWE Nigeria, Amina Usman, said additional training sessions would be conducted in selected schools across the FCT.
She added that plans were underway to visit area councils next term to sensitise female teachers on the Tuseme model.
FAWE Nigeria, established in 1996, advocates girls’ education and works to address barriers to access, retention and academic performance through policy advocacy and community-based interventions.
