Children aged between eight and 15 are being equipped with emotional intelligence, resilience, leadership, digital responsibility and practical life skills through the ongoing GlowPulse 2.0 programme in Enugu State.
The four-day programme, which commenced on August 6 at Omedel Luxury Hotel, Enugu, brought together children for interactive sessions designed to complement classroom education with essential social and practical skills.
One of the major highlights of the programme was a live painting presentation by 15-year-old Isioma Idika, who lives with cerebral palsy and travelled from Abakaliki to participate in the event.
Holding a paintbrush with her mouth, Idika created artwork before the participants without using her hands or preliminary pencil sketches, with her brother assisting her by preparing paints, cleaning brushes and steadying the canvas.
Her presentation drew attention to the importance of family and community support in helping children living with disabilities discover, develop and express their abilities.
Participants also received practical training in first aid and CPR from Ebere Nwafor, a disaster management officer and first aid trainer with the Nigerian Red Cross in Enugu.
Officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, sensitised the children on child trafficking, warning them about potential risks and ways to protect themselves.
Other sessions focused on cancer awareness, career choices, child protection, health and personal development.
The second phase of the programme, held on August 11 at Hotel Presidential Enugu by Amber, focused on leadership, digital responsibility and self-awareness.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lead Network Africa, Chukwuma Ephraim Okenwa, urged the children to see leadership beyond titles, describing it as the ability to influence, support and empower others.
Digital responsibility was also emphasised, with Onyedikachi Bernard Asadu, popularly known as The King of Boys, advising the participants to exercise caution when interacting with people online and maintain healthy boundaries on digital platforms.
Co-founder of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation and COLI Mental Health Academy, Uzoamaka Nwachukwu, led the children through activities aimed at improving self-awareness, emotional regulation and their understanding of personal strengths, values and triggers.
Games and group activities were equally incorporated into the programme to promote teamwork, communication and mutual support.
The organisers said the initiative is designed to help young people develop the confidence and practical skills required to navigate challenges at home, in school and within society.
GlowPulse 2.0 will continue on August 18 at De Angelo Event Centre, Golf Estate, Enugu, with sessions on games, play therapy and resilience.
The programme is expected to conclude on August 25 at The Andover Hotel, Enugu, with vocational activities and sessions addressing self-regulation, bullying and cyberbullying.
