02/05/2026
I-DRAW HEALTH DAY
Introduction
The Integrating Drug Abuse and WASH Intervention into Sexual and Reproductive Health (I-DRAW) Project Health Day was organized as an end-of-term activity on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, to promote health awareness among students of Ikolaba High School, Ikolaba, Ibadan, Oyo State. The students had previously been trained and exposed to a series of educational activities through the I-DRAW Ambassadors, and this event served both as a reinforcement of those lessons and as an opportunity to assess the outcomes of the ambassadors’ step-down training. The program successfully combined education on drug abuse, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) with engaging social activities.
The event commenced with an opening prayer delivered by a student representative, followed by a welcome address from the school Vice Principal, who oversees the intervention within the school. This set the tone for a structured and impactful engagement.
Technical Health Talks
A series of technical sessions were conducted to deepen students’ understanding of key health issues. During the session on drug abuse, students were introduced to the definition of drug abuse, exposed to commonly abused substances such as co***ne, he**in, “colorado,” ma*****na, and “ice,” and guided through a critical discussion distinguishing myths from facts about addiction and its effects. Another session focused on consensual versus non-consensual relationships, where students learned about the meaning of consent, how to differentiate between healthy and unhealthy relationships, and practical strategies for personal safety and informed decision-making.
Interactive Quiz and Health Recap
An interactive quiz competition was organized for students from JSS1 to SS2, covering various areas of public health, including sexual and reproductive health and drug abuse. To ensure fairness and transparency, a random ballot system was used for selecting questions. A total of 20 students participated in the quiz, with six emerging as winners. Following the quiz, Blue Gate staff conducted a comprehensive recap session that addressed key topics such as puberty, sexual orientation, hygiene, sexually transmitted infections, and proper handwashing techniques. The session also included a question-and-answer segment, during which the concept of virginity was clarified as being applicable to all genders.
Presentations and Institutional Support
The program also featured presentations and expressions of institutional support. Quiz winners received items such as socks, face towels, and water bottles, which were presented by the Project Ambassadors. In recognition of their leadership and contributions to the project, the ambassadors were in turn presented with mathematical sets by school teachers on behalf of Blue Gate. As part of the WASH intervention, the CEO of Blue Gate, Prof. Ademola, donated five waste bins to class representatives to encourage proper waste disposal and improve classroom hygiene.
Social Engagement and Counseling
Social engagement formed an integral part of the day’s activities. Students participated in a variety of board and traditional games, including Ludo, Ayo Olopon, Whot, Scrabble, and Chess. A private counseling space was also made available for one-on-one counseling opportunity during the event. The event concluded with a lively 40-minute dance competition moderated by Prof. Ademola, during which participants were rewarded with light refreshments in recognition of their enthusiasm and participation.
Conclusion
The program officially ended at 1:55 pm with the distribution of refreshments to all attendees. Overall, the I-DRAW Health Day successfully achieved its objective of integrating health education with social interaction, leaving students better informed and inspired to serve as health advocates within their school community.
