Insights from Young and Safe Project Briefing with Heads of Second Cycle Schools

On September 16, 2024, the Young and Safe Project Team participated in a stakeholder meeting with the Municipal Chief Executive of the Ho Municipal Assembly and the Heads of Senior High Schools in Ho. The meeting aimed to create a stronger partnership between the Senior High Schools and the Young and Safe project.

The Young and Safe Project is focused on creating supportive environments for adolescents in Ho City to improve their well-being and potential. Recognizing adolescence as a crucial developmental stage, the project emphasizes the need for safe spaces, support, and resources to nurture young people. Schools are integral in this mission, and collaboration with high school heads is vital to achieving these goals within educational institutions.

On behalf of the MCE of Ho, Mr. John Ntibre, Development and Planning Officer urged the heads of schools to come on board and actively support the Young and Safe Project to ensure that students can fully benefit from its initiatives. He highlighted the project’s commitment to the future of the youth, emphasizing the ongoing construction of a state-of-the-art youth park as a significant step in providing a safe and engaging environment for young people in the city.

Overview of the Young and Safe Project – Project Outcomes:

Courage Asase, the Managing Director of the Young and Safe Project, outlined the significant achievements since the project’s inception.

• Youth Participation in Ho City Governance: Through Youth Leadership and Advocacy Training, students were empowered to tackle local issues, drawing insights from the Ho Youth Well-Being Report. The Y Radio Show provided a platform for young adolescents to discuss issues affecting them and advocate for change.
• Play, Self-Discovery, and Innovation: The Node X-Design Thinking Bootcamp encouraged creative problem-solving, allowing young people to contribute ideas for the youth park’s development. The Young and Loud Festival provided a platform for young people to showcase their talents in singing, dancing, poetry, creative arts, and street art.
• Living Healthy, Youthful Lives: Mental Health, Cyber Hygiene, and Sexual Reproductive Health Bootcamps offered essential education on critical topics, addressing adolescent health needs holistically.
• Employment for Young People: The project also supported tech education via Robotics and Virtual Reality Bootcamps, and the Code2Job Program provided scholarships to pursue tech careers. The Youth Power App is designed to help young people manage their mental well-being.

It is evident that each initiative reinforces the project’s goal of creating a safe, supportive environment where adolescents can develop, participate, and contribute to the community.

The heads of schools expressed their strong support for the Young and Safe Project, recognizing its value in addressing adolescent needs. They committed to working closely with the project team to integrate the initiatives into their schools, ensuring that students benefit from the resources and opportunities provided.

 “We are excited to collaborate and integrate these programs into our calendar to ensure our students benefit fully”

Looking ahead the project aims to enhance the well-being and engagement of young people in Ho City, fostering a supportive community for their growth and development.

Insights from Young and Safe Project Briefing with Heads of Second Cycle Schools

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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