Embedding Youth Wellness in Ho: Young and Safe Kicks Off First Extension Initiative.

The Young and Safe Project has officially begun its sustainability journey with the launch of its first Well-being Bootcamp, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that young people in Ho continue to have access to trusted information, safe spaces, and supportive communities beyond the project’s initial implementation.

Taking place on 23–24 July at Ho Technical Institute, the two-day bootcamp is the first activity under the Young and Safe Project Extension—a four-month phase focused on embedding the project’s achievements into lasting community structures and institutions.
The bootcamp will bring together students for engaging discussions and practical learning sessions on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Mental Health, and Cyber Hygiene, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and lead healthier lives.

Creating Safe Spaces for Learning and Well-being

Adolescence is a period of rapid growth, discovery, and change. Yet many young people continue to face challenges in accessing reliable information, trusted support systems, and safe environments where they can openly discuss issues affecting their wellbeing.

The Well-being Bootcamp responds to this need by creating an inclusive space where students can learn, ask questions, share experiences, and build practical life skills that support their health, safety, and personal development.

Throughout the two-day programme, participants will engage in interactive sessions led by experts and facilitators covering three key areas of youth wellbeing.

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)

Participants will gain accurate, age-appropriate information on sexual and reproductive health, including healthy relationships, consent, gender equality, and responsible decision-making. They will also learn about available health services and where to seek trusted support when needed.

Mental Health

The bootcamp will encourage open conversations about mental wellbeing, helping students understand the importance of emotional health, recognise signs of stress, build resilience, and appreciate that seeking help is a sign of strength. By challenging misconceptions and reducing stigma, the sessions aim to foster a culture where young people feel supported and empowered to care for their mental health.

Cyber Hygiene

As young people spend more time online, digital safety has become an essential life skill. Participants will learn practical ways to protect their privacy, recognise online risks, respond to cyberbullying, and adopt responsible digital habits that promote a healthier relationship with technology.

The First Step in the Project’s Next Chapter

The Well-being Bootcamp signals the start of the Young and Safe Project’s sustainability phase. While the project’s first phase successfully strengthened youth participation, improved access to health information, and promoted youth-friendly urban development, the extension focuses on ensuring these gains continue through stronger partnerships, institutional ownership, and community-led action.

By investing in the knowledge, confidence, and wellbeing of young people today, the project is helping to build a future where adolescents remain active, informed, engaged, and empowered to contribute to their communities.

A Collaborative Effort for Youth Well-being

The Well-being Bootcamp is led by LoveAid Foundation, with support from consortium partners Node Eight Foundation, the Ho Municipal Assembly, and the Ghana Education Service – Ho Municipal. The project is funded by Fondation Botnar through the Healthy Cities for Adolescents (HCA-II) programme, managed by Ecorys UK.

This collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to creating healthier environments where young people can thrive and where youth wellbeing remains a priority long after the project’s completion.

Follow the Journey

As the Young and Safe Project enters this new phase, we invite you to follow the journey. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing stories, insights, and highlights from the Well-being Bootcamp and other activities across our digital platforms.

Because Young and Safe isn’t ending—it is becoming part of Ho’s future.

Follow Young & Safe Ho on social media to stay updated and join us as we continue building healthier youth, safer communities, and a brighter future for Ho.

This version is more concise, avoids repeating ideas, and better positions the bootcamp as the symbolic launch of the extension phase while reinforcing the project’s long-term vision and partnership approach.

About the Young and Safe Project:  

The Young and Safe Project is an initiative that addresses 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 bringing together the strengths and expertise of its partners. The Young and Safe project will also increase young people’s employability by helping them build their digital innovation and entrepreneurship competencies.Read more