An NGO, Hacey Health Initiative, says students require proper guidance and counselling in their choice of career paths to achieve fulfillment and contribute positively to socio-economic growth. Ms Mercy Kalu, Programme Officer, HACEY's PAVE Project Officer, said this during a Career Day Programme at Saint Francis School, Iwaya, Lagos, on Wednesday. According to her, the event aims to assist students understand the process of effective career choice, clarify their future objectives, and appropriate action to implement these objectives. She noted that an opinion sampling conducted showed that many of the students lacked clarity about their future career paths, while some were pushed to a career choice by their parents. 'It is important for a child to make this decision themselves as it encourages confidence and self-reliance in future plans,' she said. Kalu said that the programme was also to deconstruct gender bias that it was safer to invest in educating a boy-child and marry off the girl-child. 'We als o engage parents and community leaders in our discussions so that they understand and align with what we are doing with the girl-child, so that we can build a safer society for them,' she said. She noted that the event was done under its PAVE Project, a girl-centred, community-based safe space programme, aimed at supporting teenage girls by providing them with essential health, financial, and life skills information, services, and tools. 'The project establishes safe spaces where girls can access knowledge and resources related to sexual health, mental health, and career development. 'They receive mentoring and are referred for additional support services as needed,' she said. Similarly, Mrs Oluwanifemi Sowole, a psychologist, said that passion, skills, personality, values were some factors that influence career choice. Sowole emphasised the vital role played by parents and teachers in identifying and nurturing gifts of children to enable them excel in their chosen career. Also, Mr Samuel Facon, Princi pal of the school, commended the organisers for their interest in the future of the students. Facon advised the students to utilise the opportunity properly, saying ' whatever career you choose, make sure you have the passion and capability for it. 'Don't go to science class because your friends are there. Stay in your area of strengths and you will excel in your chosen career,' he said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria