30 Youth Empowered To Use Storytelling as a Tool to Advocate for Social Change

The Youth Leadership and Advocacy Training, organized as part of the Young and Safe project under the Healthy Cities for Adolescents initiative, took place on Saturday, 23 March 2024, at GNAT Hall, Ho Ghana. The event aimed to equip 30 young individuals with the necessary skills to advocate for social issues through the powerful medium of storytelling. With a focus on microblogging and blogging, the participants were encouraged to amplify their voices and initiate a movement that addresses the pressing concerns of today’s youth.

Courage Asase, the project manager of the Young and Safe project, commenced the event with a warm welcome address. He provided an overview of the Young and Safe project and emphasized the significance of the Youth Leadership and Advocacy Training. Courage shed light on the successful resolution of past community challenges, such as the Ho-Sokode Road, through effective advocacy. This successful resolution served as a powerful example of how collective voices can bring about transformative change.

Prince Amevi, a journalist at ameviyao(dot)com and a facilitator for the training, took charge of the session focused on social-backed advocacy through storytelling. He highlighted the significance of gathering relevant data and metrics, structuring storytelling frameworks, and utilizing effective writing techniques to maximize the impact of their stories.

According to Prince, storytelling should not be a one-sided affair but rather an interactive experience that engages the audience and invites active participation. He guided the participants in harnessing the power of storytelling to captivate listeners and convey their messages effectively.

The youth showcased their newly acquired skills by crafting compelling narratives on issues close to their hearts using the Expository Writing technique. They shed light on the challenges faced by young people and propose solutions to address them. Their passion and dedication to creating a positive impact were truly inspiring.

So, why is it crucial for young people to engage in social-backed advocacy and more? The answer lies in the power of their voices. Young individuals possess unique perspectives, fresh ideas, and an unwavering determination to create a better world. By engaging in social-backed advocacy, they can amplify their voices, raise awareness about the issues that affect them, and drive meaningful change.

In conclusion, young people need to engage in social-backed advocacy and more because their voices are powerful agents of change. The Youth Leadership and Advocacy Training, with its focus on storytelling and effective advocacy, has provided 30 empowered individuals with the skills to address pressing social issues. With their mastery of microblogging and blogging techniques, these passionate youth can shed light on these issues, influence public opinion, and drive the transformative change they envision. Their stories will inspire others to join their cause, creating a better future for all.

About the Young and Safe Project:   

The Young and Safe project is a three-year initiative that aims to address key issues such as youth participation in city governance, sexual and reproductive health, mental health support, creative self-expression, and digital employment opportunities. The initiative aims to develop an inclusive and supportive community for young people in Ho, Volta region, Ghana by leveraging the capabilities of each partner. The Young and Safe project will also increase young people’s employability by helping them build their digital innovation and entrepreneurship competencies. Read more.  

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