As the Jos team continue to visit secondary school, sharing the gospel and testing students for HIV/ AIDS, they hear many stories of the sexual and gender issues facing young people today.

Students are willing to share their frustrations with Grace & Light’s trained counsellors. They talk about stealing from their parents, parents who don’t listen, cheating to pass exams, men who abuse them and are often from the same compound they live in.

“At one school we came across a student sitting outside the school gates, he wanted to be in class but couldn’t afford the school fees. We paid his fees and bought him a uniform and shoes. A second boy could afford the fees but not uniform and felt intimidated because he stood out. We also bought a uniform for him,” said Tassie Ghata, international coordinator. "Feeling accepted is hugely important for teenagers.

“At another school we concentrated on gender issues because we found the boys were disrespectful of the girls, saying they hated them. We shared that each person is made in the image of God and he loves girls and boys, women and men, equally. Thus, we should also respect and care for each other.”

During the visit to the Kwall Government Secondary School in Jos on 11 November 165 students chose to be tested for HIV/ AIDS. No one was positive, 21 rededicated their lives to Christ and 13 made a first commitment.

On 17 November, the Jos team visited Excellent Secondary School, also in Jos. Here 108 pupils chose to be tested, no one was positive, nine rededicated their lives and 10 made first commitments.

Then on 23 November the team visited Valley Pride Academy in Jos and tested 37 students. Again no one was HIV positive, 28 students rededicated themselves to Christ and five made first commitments.