Between May 20 and 25, 2025, Olive Community Development Initiative (OCDI) facilitated a five-day step-down training across all 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State. The training aimed to equip 200 teachers and 100 community members to serve as mentors across 100 schools selected for the Safe Space program.

This initiative builds on previous training sessions held for facilitators, who were responsible for stepping down key learnings to the newly engaged mentors. The sessions were interactive and participatory, focusing on core themes from the Life Skills Manual, including:

• Building self-esteem and confidence

• Climate change 

• Gender based violence 

• Sexual and reproductive health education

• Nutrition

To support effective facilitation, mentors were provided with comprehensive training materials, including:

• The Life Skills Manual

• Flip charts

• Learning aids and visual charts

These resources will serve as guides as mentors begin working with adolescents in their respective schools and communities, fostering safe, inclusive environments where young people—especially girls—can grow, learn, and thrive.

At OCDI, we recognize the vital role mentors play in shaping the future of young people. This training represents a meaningful step toward strengthening psychosocial support structures and sustaining safe spaces for adolescents across Kwara State.