A programme aimed at training young people in Nigeria using new, interactive electronic means has been launched in Abuja. Now, Nigerians can inform themselves with computers and mobile phones about issues on sexual health, relationships and HIV/AIDS.
The mobile service, called MyQuestion will enable young people to ask their personal questions through text messages, the website or through a free hotline. Mobile service My Question is part of the e-learning programme Learning about Living, an e-learning tool based on the Nigerian Family Life and HIV/AIDS Education (FLHE) curriculum. It will run on computers in schools in Nigeria and will introduce the students to creative computer skills. Learning about Living is made compatible for One Laptop Per Child and the Intel's Classmate PC project. The highly interactive tool is developed by Butterfly Works, Netherlands, together with several Nigerian NGO's, the Ministry of Education in Nigeria and Oneworld UK. The project aims to enhance ICT skills in order to educate young people on issues about sexual health, prevent HIV/AIDS and maternal mortality and morbidity, and gender violence. Secondly, the project aims to improve the information available on sex education to young people, and encourage them to be more open about these issues and forthcoming about their questions. The project is piloted in three locations, including Lagos, Cross Rivers State and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja in collaboration with local NGOs and State Ministries of Education.
