Violence has become an all-too-familiar reality for students in Nigeria, with incidents ranging from bullying and sexual harassment to kidnapping and even shootings frequently reported in schools. In the context of this project, however, violence refers to actions often initiated by groups of angry students seeking recognition or an outlet for their frustrations.
Understanding the Causes of Violence
The root causes of inter-secondary school violence are complex and multifaceted. These include:
- Misinformation
- Ego and power struggles (e.g., seniority disputes)
- Relationship conflicts
- Teacher–student altercations
- Parental influence
- Peer pressure
- Territorial dominance
Project Goals and Approach
The StopTheViolence project delves into these causes, exploring their effects and potential consequences on students' lives. It is specifically designed to engage secondary school students through workshops and the collaborative stages of a film project, including pre-production, production, and post-production.
The initiative aims to:
- Equip students with constructive outlets to express themselves.
- Encourage skill development through creative platforms.
- Promote peace and create safer school environments.
Our Partnerships
This project was executed in collaboration with Arafat Oseni, the visionary behind the initiative, alongside her team, Lagos SDG, and the NYSC. Together, we facilitated a workshop focused on the effects of Gender-Based Violence, its various forms, and strategies for prevention within schools.
Impact and Outreach
As part of our outreach efforts, we visited Akoka High School in Lagos, where we engaged directly with over 700 students. The sessions provided valuable knowledge about gender-based violence and its legal implications, empowering the students to foster a culture of safety and respect in their school community. Through the StopTheViolence project, 4Herfrika continues its mission to build a generation of young leaders who are informed, empowered, and dedicated to creating peaceful environments for learning and growth.
