Lions Club International has trained 43 Lagos State teachers to identify and address bullying, drug abuse and emotional difficulties affecting children in schools.
The training was conducted through the organization’s Lions Quest program, which focuses on social and emotional learning, character development and responsible decision-making among young people.
The Lion Club initiative equipped participating educators with practical skills for developing healthier relationships with pupils and creating safer learning environments.
Programme Focuses on Pupils’ Life Skills
District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 404B5 Nigeria, Phina Origho, said the programme was designed to help children acquire essential life skills.
According to her, the training covered character development, healthy relationships and the ability to make responsible decisions.
She explained that teachers play a significant role in shaping children’s behaviour and preparing them to make better choices as they grow.
The participating Lagos State teachers were therefore trained to build positive relationships with pupils, recognise behavioural challenges and guide young people towards responsible conduct.
Individual Lions clubs sponsored at least three teachers each from different areas of Lagos State to participate in the programme.
Initiative Targets Bullying and Drug Abuse
Origho identified bullying as a serious problem that affects children at different levels of education, including those in primary schools.
She said interventions carried out through the Lions Quest programme had contributed to a considerable reduction in cases of bullying, particularly within Lagos State.
The programme has also supported pupils struggling with drug abuse and helped to prepare young people for leadership responsibilities.
By training teachers to recognise warning signs and respond appropriately, the organisers hope to address harmful behaviour before it develops into a more serious problem.
The educators were encouraged to create classroom environments where pupils could communicate freely and seek assistance without fear of judgement or punishment.
Teachers Trained to Prioritise Mental Well-Being
Lions Quest Committee Chairperson for District 404B Nigeria, Hassan Olapeju, said the training placed considerable emphasis on the mental and emotional well-being of pupils.
Olapeju explained that educational and humanitarian interventions often concentrate on physical needs while overlooking the psychological challenges experienced by children.
She said the programme was designed to correct this imbalance by helping teachers understand the importance of social and emotional learning.
According to her, every student who passes through the classroom of a trained teacher should benefit positively from the knowledge acquired during the programme.
The Lion Club training also encouraged teachers to look beyond academic performance when assessing the development and welfare of their pupils.
Participant Describes Training as an Eye-Opener
Head Teacher of Westerville Nursery and Primary School, Oladeji Tunde, described the exercise as impactful and enlightening.
Oladeji said the training provided an opportunity for educators to abandon outdated teaching practices, strengthen relevant skills and learn more effective ways of engaging children and adolescents.
He explained that the knowledge gained would help teachers guide young people towards becoming confident, responsible and capable adults.
The programme also helped participants recognise that pupils understand lessons at different speeds and from different perspectives.
According to Oladeji, children who are often labelled as slow learners may not necessarily lack academic ability. Some may be struggling with difficult circumstances outside the school environment.
External Challenges Can Affect Learning
Oladeji noted that teachers could discover the causes of poor academic performance by developing trusting and respectful relationships with their pupils.
He explained that some learning difficulties originate from problems at home rather than from the classroom or the child’s intellectual ability.
Some pupils may be experiencing neglect, abuse, molestation or bullying within their families. Others may lack adults willing to listen to them or provide the emotional support they require.
These experiences can negatively affect a child’s concentration, behaviour, confidence and willingness to participate in classroom activities.
The training encouraged Lagos State teachers to pay closer attention to such warning signs and give pupils opportunities to express themselves.
Oladeji said educators must understand that teaching involves much more than entering a classroom, holding a marker and delivering lessons.
Teachers must also build relationships, observe behavioural changes and create conditions that allow children to feel safe enough to discuss the challenges affecting them.
Building Safer and Healthier Schools
Through the Lions Quest programme, Lions Club International aims to develop a network of teachers capable of promoting positive behaviour, emotional resilience and responsible decision-making in schools.
The 43 trained educators are expected to apply the knowledge within their respective schools and positively influence the pupils under their supervision.
The initiative reflects a broader approach to education that combines academic instruction with character development, mental well-being and protection from harmful behaviour.
By strengthening the ability of teachers to address bullying, drug abuse and emotional difficulties, the programme seeks to create safer schools and prepare young people for responsible adulthood.
