The Safe and Protective Environment for Adolescent Development (SPREAD) project was implemented in partnership with UNICEF. The project commenced in September 2021 and ended in March 2023. It contributed to the reduction of adolescent pregnancy, abuse and exploitation at the community level by promoting a safe and protective environment for adolescent boys and girls in 45 communities across 11 districts in the Central, Oti and Volta regions. 32,136 adolescents were engaged through the mentorship sessions (the INGH Child and Adolescent protection manual “it shouldn’t hurt to be young was used during the engagements”.

Achievements

– 4000 manuals were distributed to adolescents along with face masks and hand sanitizers to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 protocols during meetings (1st phase of the project).

– 5000 dignity kits (3 months’ supply of sanitary pads and soaps) were distributed as an emergency intervention to adolescent girls from less privileged homes to reduce their vulnerabilities especially during the COVID 19 crisis.

-7,086 men and boys were separately engaged in collaboration with some district level stakeholders.

-6,547 parents and caregivers were reached; 621 adolescent girls were equipped with skills in the area of sewing of pads, beading and soap production to economically empower them and reduce their vulnerabilities.

-13 out of school adolescent girls were placed in apprenticeship training.

– 54 adolescent protection cases referred to the relevant state institutions.

– Over 40,425 community members from both project and non-project communities were engaged during community wide sensitization programmes.

-11 consultative meetings with key community level stakeholders held with a total of 287 stakeholders comprising traditional authorities, religious leaders, assembly members and leaders of social groups on issues of ASRH&R, SGBV, child marriage among others.