The Ministry of Public Health has extended its partnership with the Milo School Football tournament for the eighth year and this time, the aim will be edifying players on Gender-Based Violence, Substance Abuse and Reproductive Health.
Each year an effort is made by the Ministry to educate the Under-18 school footballers on Gender-Based Violence and they have expanded to more pressing social ills, according to Adolescent Health Coordinator, Cilandell Glen.
“We will be setting up satellite tables at all of the games to disseminate information on sexual reproductive health, substance abuse and most importantly, violence among our adolescents. The reason why we are looking at Reproductive Health and Substance Abuse is because these two issues also contribute significantly to the increased violence among our young people.”
According to Lauren Bancroft, a Senior Health Promotion Officer, this is a perfect opportunity to teach young people conflict resolution issues.
Troy Mendonca, Co-Director of the Petra Organisation, applauded the Ministry for its continued support in helping to educate the youngsters on these pertinent matters.
The tournament kicks off this weekend at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue, with six matches in the round-robin stage; among the teams in action will be Lodge Secondary, Bishops’ High and defending champions Christianburg Wismar Secondary.
Matches on both days commence at 12:00h.
