Message to the Nation - Wa Street Youth Unite on Path for Peace

Youth Alive (YA) is empowering youth across Northern Ghana to champion the widespread education and support for a peaceful upcoming 2012 election. The Youth in Governance project recently spurred youth from the Wa Kejetia lorry station to partner with local media to increase the reach of their message via print, radio, television and online channels.

The press conference was an opportunity for media to truly understand and personalize the perspective of the oft overlooked demographic and the vital role they play in guaranteeing a successful election year.

Follow these links to read event reports from the following media outlets:

JoyFM

GhanaNewsLink

Steps Towards Peace – Bolgatanga Street Youth Carry Forward Message of Hope

Youth with signboards

The Youth in Governance project is in full swing at the mid-year mark in the lead up to the December 2012 elections in Ghana. The partnership project with STAR Ghana is operating across all three Northern regions to educate and engage young adults in peaceful participation before, during and after the voting season. Members of Bolgatanga’s (Bolga) youth community recently added their voice to the call for peace to ensure the safe, progressive and democratic development of the nation.

Main procession

Mother & child taking part

Thursday, June 14 saw the gathering of YA’s constituents from the Bolga lorry park and Ghana Private Road Transport Union leading their friends, colleagues and community members in a march through the city’s main street. Featuring colourful and prolific banners painted with peace slogans, the procession danced the streets accompanied by a brass band to draw attention to their cause. The sheer enthusiasm of people from all walks of life was in full unison as believers of the cause carried the message of peace forward.

The street youth leaders addressed the crowd by highlighting some of the current barriers to a peaceful election and urged the community, individual parties and governing bodies to implement necessary solutions to ensure a free and fair democratic process. Registration issues including double registration and soliciting of minors brought forward the need for security agencies to be present at polling stations to monitor activities. Additionally security would ensure enthusiastic party supporters do not instigate conflict with rival party supporters. 

The youth called on each political party to avoid the common practice of opponent-bashing and to rather focus on the plans to implement positive changes in the lives of millions of Ghanaians. Finally they addressed the need for the Electoral Commission to implement a feedback system for the public to file complaints instead of resorting to violence. 

Petition presentation

Representatives from the national Inter Party Advisory Committee were present to receive a petition signed by the street youth and their community members.  The committee’s mandate is to advise political parties to comply with the rules and regulation laid down in each parties’ code of conduct. The youth vowed to comply with electoral rules and regulations by discouraging violence (physical and verbal), refusing bribes and abiding by official procedures during each stage.

Cedis & Pesewas: Regional Financial Literacy Program Launch

Fresh off the heels of April’s graduation ceremony, a collection of up to 50 past and present vocational training students reunited for the introduction of a new and exciting initiative to support their growing businesses.

Vocational Training Apprentices

On Saturday, June 2^nd Youth Alive (YA) relaunched its first round of financial literacy programming in partnership with Barclays Bank Ghana and Tools for Self Reliance (TFSR). Delivered by Barclays Bank representatives with solid experience in business and financial management, the program promises to develop and foster the skills and attitudes needed for business success. The series of workshops will cover important facets of entrepreneurship and provide  a forum for sharing ideas, questions and concerns with peers and professionals. 

Local Chief, Dakpema Mahamadu Alhassan Dawuni was on hand to formally launch the session at the YA Northern Region Head Office in Tamale. He spoke to the importance of engaging youth in income generating ventures as a proven deterrent against unnecessary conflict and a catalyst for prosperity in the community.

Tamale Chief Dakpema Mahamadu Alhassan Dawuni (centre)

“We hope this program will be very effective."
Kofi Quao, Barclays Bank Manager

 The reintroduction of such beneficial programming is the enrichment of an already fruitful relationship between YA and key sponsor Barclays Bank. Bank Manager, Mr. Kofi Quao, commented that the organization envisions a “holistic partnership” with YA and greater involvement with YA beneficiaries and programs. “We are ready to support you in whatever areas we can,” he promised.

“You are doing very well and I want to see you doing even more.”
YA Director Agnes Chiravira

YA Director Agnes Chiravira was proud to welcome back old and new faces from the vocational training program and invited their active participation by sharing successful business ideas and practices. She praised the leadership of old graduates in supporting vulnerable youth through their ventures and challenged the new graduates to further champion the cause. “[Your training and success] is for all the vulnerable youth in Tamale,” 

Mr. Mohammed Basit of Barclays Bank introduced the inaugural session’s theme: Enhancing Effective Growth of Small Scale Business. He challenged the group to adhere to seven management strategies that would ensure sustainability, growth and the ultimate success of their ventures. The presentation discussed issues regarding the establishment of business procedures, internal and external environment assessments, business goals and customer service excellence. Rounding off the session, Mr. Quao drove home the impact of self-discipline on business. Basic yet imperative principles such as honesty, confidentiality, punctuality and overall responsibility were addressed as demonstrations of serious and successful entrepreneurs.  

Student engagement in open forum

The beneficiaries had a strong and vocal response to the information provided and knowledge gained from the workshop. Many of them were grateful for the opportunity to attend the presentation and acknowledged the increased need for such support in enhancing the quality and scope of their business activities. Ever the ambitious group, many also further inquired as to how to secure expanded funding from financial institutions like Barclays Bank to make their dreams of growth a reality.

Student engagement in open forum

YA financial literacy programs have been launched and will continue throughout the Northern (Tamale), Upper East (Bolgatanga) and Upper West (Wa) Regions. Partnership programs like this one ensure the sustainable development and success of YA student trainees and ensure that organizational programs have the broadest impact possible throughout the local community. You can continue to support our beneficiaries by giving through our website. 





Photographs courtesy of Alexander Ogle.

Sexual & Reproductive Health Education - Creating Safe & Healthy Communities

It is well known that youth are amongst the least informed when it comes to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and are therefore the most susceptible to the ill effects of sexual activity. The problem is compounded amongst street youth who often lack the parental guidance or education to be knowledgeable about safe and available options.

Through the first quarter of 2012 Youth Alive (YA) initiated a local campaign to heighten the awareness, attention and action of the youth in taking control of their sexual and reproductive health (SRH). 35 communities across the Wa municipality were host to a variety of educational programs aimed at youth ages 10-24. The project’s main objectives were to increase knowledge of SRH, access to relevant services and positive behaviours among the sexually active. As a joint community initiative, several youth friendly facilities and organizations were also involved to provide services and expertise on the topic. 

Ghana Health Services counseling youth

These objectives were addressed through an assortment of engaging tactics including film shows and peer education.

The film shows were organized in 9 communities where partner organizations helped lead a community session about the reality and seriousness of sexually transmitted infections and diseases (STIs & STDs). A documentary on HIV, AIDS, and maternal mortality was shown, followed by a discussion revolving around pictures of STIs and STDs.

The forum was a success that generated much discussion and participation from the youth. Additionally,  members of Ghana Health Services simultaneously provided counseling and testing services at each event. The youth openly appreciated the need to know their HIV/AIDS status so they can live more responsible lives. Most of the people who tested were male who are in their adolescent age.

Peer educator community clubs

Throughout the 35 participating communities, YA engaged volunteers and youth peers to share experiences in a safe, non-threatening and non-judgmental environment. Supervisory and monitoring visits by the project officer that many peer educators had formed community clubs to address specific and persistent SRH issues.

The success of this ongoing program is a credit to the youth themselves and their desire to become informed and actively involved in self-protection.

2012 Vocational Training Students' Graduation Ceremony

Saturday April 28, 2012 was a momentous occasion that brought together of Youth Alive’s (YA) graduating apprentices, their trainers and sponsors.

Jubilee Park, Bolga

All corners of the community gathered to acknowledge, celebrate and witness the launch of YA’s freshest batch of apprentice graduates at Jubilee Park in Bolgatanga (Bolga). 45 students passed through the organization’s ambitious program to become fully certified tradespeople trained in a variety of skills including hairdressing, dressmaking, carpentry, masonry and auto machinery. 

Family & friends

The graduates, hailing from the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions, were joined by proud family and friends, instructors, members of the YA community and a host of invited guests who happily wished them the best at this significant turning point in their lives.

Chairperson for the occasion, Betty Ayagiba and the Bolga Municipal Chief Executive who represented the Deputy Upper Regional Minister shared words of encouragement and wisdom with the young entrepreneurs. Ms. Ayagiba, founder of the Widows & Orphans Movement, commended the strength of the YA program in preparing young adults to bring sweeping change to Northern Ghana and improve the stability of its communities. The Municipal Chief Executive stressed the importance of staying on the right path and serving as leaders to ensure the health and sustainable growth of Northern Ghana.

Special guests including Barclays Bank reps, Madame Betty Ayahiba & Bolga's Municipal Chief Executive

YA Director Agnes Chiravira

 YA Director Agnes Chiravira highlighted the organization’s many initiatives that strive to create opportunities for youth to reach their goals, succeed and become independent. She also stressed the impact of giving back to the community and encouraged all beneficiaries to, “Stretch out [their] hands and touch other lives.”   

Barclays Bank representatives

The day would not have even been possible without the support and contribution of organizational sponsors Tools for Self Reliance and Barclays Bank. Both organizations’ assistance greatly fostered the development and success of YA’s vocational training program by providing necessary tools and training equipment. Barclays Bank, which has donated over Ghȼ 100, 000 to the program, was wholly represented by managers from across Ghana who were able to witness the result of the fruitful  partnership. 

Community Relations Manager, Mr. Nana Benneh urged the students not to take the opportunity given them for granted. He announced the introduction of Barclays Bank facilitation programs to further enhance the quality of support of the bank to YA beneficiaries in general. The programs include financial skills training and mentoring projects to support new graduates in establishing their independent businesses. The declaration was recognized as evidence of Barclays Bank going “Beyond corporate financial support to forming relationships with beneficiaries,” explained YA Director Chiravira.

"We look forward to your success."
Mr. Nana Benneh, Barclays Bank Community Relations Manger

As proud and optimistic as all attendees were, the graduates were equally thankful and determined to make the most of their chance to establish themselves in their various fields. Each beneficiary was given  an assortment of materials relevant to their trade to jumpstart their private businesses. Additionally, they would each receive16 pieces of aluminium roofing sheets to aid the development of a shop structure. The female graduates would further receive five bags of cement each. The students were eager to express their gratitude through a variety of performance pieces including an original song, “Youth Alive”, poetry readings and a collective drama skit that educated the public on the need for unity and tolerance as the nation prepares to go to the polls for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in December.

Performance of original song, "Youth Alive"

Cultural performance

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Group dancing

Following the distribution of certificates, the graduates posed for pictures with the donated materials they would use to begin new enterprises

Proud graduate group shot

The day was a massive success thanks to the efforts of all those involved in making YA’s vocational training program accessible to the marginalized youth in our community. The new graduates will not soon forget the generosity of their program organizers, trainers and sponsors who have provided an incomparable alternative to their difficult circumstances of the past. Our new graduates are filled with the desire to do better; for themselves, their families and the community. They are living and breathing examples to us all of the promise for a bright and prosperous Ghana.

Certificate distribution

YA continues to support a multitude of vulnerable youth across Northern Ghana in pursuing careers as skilled tradespeople. You can help youngsters break through the cycle of poverty; make their dreams a reality and give through our website.

Photos courtesy of Alexander Ogle.

Wa, Update

Fresh off of the Easter break and activity in the Upper West region has been steadily buzzing as we've hit the middle of the biometric voter registration period (three more weeks to go!). Our YA Program Manager (PM) in Wa, Mr. Peter Tanga, has been laying the groundwork in these early stages of the organizational campaign to engage street youth in participating peacefully in Ghana's 2012 election.

Just before the holiday the Upper West office organized a one hour, live radio discussion program for the street youth leaders to sensitize and encourage their colleagues to participate in the ongoing biometric registration and abstain from violent acts. Panelists included three street youth leaders and a representative from the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).

These programs have been having the desired effect as local visits by the YA Director and Ag. PM to four registration centers revealed no record of incidences or disruptive behaviour by street youth. According to the registration officials the youth are turning out in their numbers to register.

This news is certainly a credit to the street youth leaders whom the YA team has also been regularly monitoring to assess progress, determine challenges and recognize opportunities of the campaign. The visits have revealed that as of now all 20 leaders are fully registered and continue to succeed in getting many of their colleagues to follow suit. "The leaders have (even) gone beyond sensitizing their colleagues to their communities," reflects YA PM Peter Tanga.

In the coming weeks YA will continue to monitor activities not only at the registration centers but within the community and amongst the street youth and their leaders to ensure maximum efficacy and prospective voter turnout. The next step in the education campaign is to support the leaders in organizing an information forum at the bus terminal (where most of the street youth of voting age work) to increase communication efforts linked to their peaceful and active participation.

Keep it up team! We can't wait to follow-up with more of your progress in the region :)

The Youth Vote - Is Social Media the Answer?

Ghana’s 2012 election is already underway. What separates this election season from all others is not only the biometric registration process, but the communication efforts behind it. GhanaDecides, a local collective comprised of GhanaBlogging, has effectively launched a social media campaign aimed at engaging the nation’s youth to participate in the election process. The group has invested considerable time, money and effort in creating and managing blogs, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr accounts to bring attention to their cause. While this sounds highly progressive and great in theory, what will be the actual payoff of a social media campaign in Ghana? Will it be an effective way to target a considerable number of the target demographic of potential youth voters?

Although Ghana is developing rapidly, it’s youth demographic is still a far cry from being as technologically versed with social media platforms as their Westernized counterparts. (I can say from experience that) Most youth in the Western world have the luxury of constant, immediate, high-speed internet access 24/7 (which is why social and viral media campaigns works so well), whereas in Ghana one computer per household (with internet access) is rarely a given, let alone per individual. According to www.internetworldstats.com 79% of North Americans use the internet compared to 14% of Africans. Even the test group that was used to pilot this social media proposal were students from the University of Winneba; educated individuals who, for the most part are more informed about the electoral process than the average Ghanaian in the same age range.

Before I go any further, I will say that I absolutely applaud the efforts of GhanaDecides to bring the nation to the forefront by using social media as a platform to discuss the election but I don’t know how much it will affect the average Ghanaian. While Facebook and blogs are definitely a good vehicles given their popularity not only nationally but globally, the other social media sites may suffer a lack of hits. The poor dexterity of the internet connection here makes it hard for YouTube videos to load quickly. I also don’t think Flickr has as much social media pull as it does in North America and finally, Twitter is still utilized more organizationally within Ghana than it is socially at this point in time.

With all of that said, disenfranchised groups like the street youth that YA work with, have even less access to information about the voting process. At its heart, Ghana is still very much a traditional society that looks towards grassroots leadership to steer community action. People still look towards religious leaders and social and community groups to provide guidance on such issues of national importance.

YA has been is running workshops in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions. These involve respected community members as role models with the ability to influence the vulnerable youth to become educated on fair and peaceful elections so that they in turn become advocates within their peer group. It’s a very hands-on approach to building understanding, enthusiasm and respect for a process that has the potential to change the course of many lives.

I’m all for using technology to send important messages to the right people at the right time, but the technology must also be appropriate. The internet is a wonderful way to share individual's stories and experiences with a broad audience but perhaps an all-out social media barrage is not the way to go about engaging youth this election season with the biometric system already being such a new and innovative concept. Ghana is a nation that has embraced mobile telecommunications; it’s not unusual to see individuals with multiple phones or phone lines. Perhaps a Facebook campaign run alongside a texting campaign that sent out text message blasts to all major phone networks’ youth subscribers (you can only buy a phone line with ID so demographic information should be easily accessible) would have been a more effective way of making the process more inclusive. Just a thought!

Let us know what you think about the social media’s current ability to reach youth in Ghana! (I guess we’ll know by the sheer number who comment on this post :p)

You can also read more about YA's election education campaign through my personal blog.

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