In Ho City, young voices struggle to be heard in decision-making. Despite their growing numbers, youth are underrepresented in governance institutions, hindering their ability to enact positive change. Ho City’s highest governing body, the municipal assembly, holds significant power in shaping the city’s direction. Shockingly, only five out of 34 local legislators are under 35 years old, representing a mere 12 per cent. This underrepresentation hampers advocacy for youth interests, sidelining important projects like playground maintenance and the completion of the Ho library.
In response to this pressing issue, we are excited to announce the next transformative initiative in Ho: The Youth Leadership and Advocacy Training. This initiative is a critical component of The Young and Safe project, generously funded by Fondation Botnar. Node Eight, LoveAid Foundation, Ho Municipal Assembly, and Ghana Education Service have formed a consortium to implement the project. The consortium aims to transform Ho into a city that prioritizes young residents’ well-being, health, and civic participation.
At its core, the Youth Leadership and Advocacy Training aims to empower young leaders from political parties, high schools, and universities in Ho. Through smart local partnerships between youth-led non-profits, universities, and government agencies, this program will provide comprehensive training and support to equip young leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to become influential advocates for their peers.
What are the expected outcomes of the Youth Leadership and Advocacy training:
Our goal is to empower young leaders, enabling them to effectively mobilize their peers, engage with duty bearers, and bring young people’s issues to decision tables. Through comprehensive training in leadership, communication, advocacy, and community engagement, the program will equip 30 young leaders, for each cohort and 60 in total for the year. This will be done with equal representation of 30 males and 30 females. This gender-balanced approach ensures that all voices are heard and that the program reflects the diversity of Ho’s youth population.
Also, a key expected outcome of this program is an increase in young individuals who participate in local-level elections. Through the cultivation of leadership skills and the promotion of civic engagement, we hope to inspire and empower young leaders to take an active role in local governance. This objective aligns with the overarching goal of The Young and Safe project. This aims to foster a youth-friendly city where young people have a significant voice in decision-making processes.
The Youth Leadership and Advocacy Training will also provide support for young leaders to participate in local-level elections. Through mentorship, networking opportunities, and guidance on navigating the political landscape, the program aims to empower and position these young leaders for success. By increasing the number of empowered young people, we strive to significantly impact policymaking and ensure the inclusion of youth perspectives in decision-making processes.
This project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal 4: Quality Education, Goal 5: Gender Equality, and Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. These goals emphasize the importance of youth empowerment, health, education, gender equality, and strong governance structures. All key components of our Youth Leadership and Advocacy Training.
How to participate:
Are you a passionate young leader seeking to make a difference in Ho City? We encourage you to apply for the Youth Leadership and Advocacy Training. To participate, please fill out the application form. Eligible candidates from political parties, high schools, and universities in Ho City are invited to seize this incredible opportunity.
Date for the event: August 10, 2023.
Application Deadline: July 30, 2023.
Click here to apply.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting initiative as we strive to empower Ho’s young leaders and shape a brighter 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.
For all enquires, reach out to us via email at info@nodeeight.org
