The Ministry of Public Health and the Petra Organization have renewed their longstanding partnership, aiming once again to utilise the annual Milo Secondary School U-18 Football Championship as an avenue to address the social ill of gender-based violence.
This collaboration was announced yesterday at a press conference held at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.
“We will be setting up satellite tables at all of the games to disseminate information on sexual reproductive health, substance abuse and most importantly, violence among our adolescents.
The reason why we are looking at reproductive health and substance abuse is because these two issues also contribute significantly to the increased violence among our young people,” Adolescent Health Coordinator Cilandell Glen said.
Similarly, Lauren Bancroft, a Senior Health Promotion Officer, stated that the event provides the ideal platform and avenue to teach young people about conflict resolution.
Troy Mendonca, Co-Director of the Petra Organization, praised the ministry for their continued support and partnership, and said that the tournament is an ideal platform to raise awareness of gender-based violence.
Meanwhile, the event will commence tomorrow at the same venue with a tripleheader. At 12:00hrs, President’s College will oppose Queenstown while Marian Academy will engage St Joseph High at 13:45hrs. In the final match, East Ruimveldt will oppose St Stanislaus College from 15:30hrs.
