From SGBV Awareness to Action: Celebrating Courage’s Bravery Intervention

At Gold Heart Foundation, we believe that every child has the power to make a difference, especially when given the right tools and support. Today, we’re excited to share a story that fills us with so much pride and hope—a story of the incredible impact of a young girl who stood up against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

Courage Godwin, an 11-year-old student, recently reminded us all why it’s so important to educate children about their rights and the dangers of SGBV. During one of our SGBV sensitization sessions at her school, Courage learned about the different forms of abuse and, more importantly, what to do when faced with such situations. 

In a recent incident, a child facing maltreatment was reluctant to speak with social workers and other adults.  Courage, noticing the child’s distress, stepped in with understanding. And with the techniques she had picked up from our session, she managed to connect with the child in a way that no one else could utilizing her local dialect. Her bravery and quick thinking helped to bring a case of SGBV to light.

Why Does Education and Awareness Matter?

Courage’s story is a powerful example of why educating kids about SGBV is so crucial. It’s not just about knowing the signs of abuse—it’s about understanding the importance of speaking up and knowing how to report it through the right channels. When children like Courage are empowered with knowledge, they can become advocates for change, helping to create safer communities for everyone.

Here at Gold Heart Foundation, our mission goes beyond just raising awareness. We envision a society where every child is embraced with love, care, and support, fostering their holistic growth and development. We want to make sure that every child knows they have a voice and that they can make a difference, just like Courage did.

We couldn’t be prouder of Courage, and her story is a testament to what can happen when children are given the right support and education. But we can’t do it alone. We need schools, families, and communities to continue spreading the word about SGBV, to keep educating our children, and to create environments where kids feel safe to speak up.

Guess what! Courage was awarded with an award of courage and decorated with Anti-SGBV School Ambassador Advocate by GoldHeart Foundation.

Written by: Jesutoni Okunrotifa