Shaping Youth Advocates: Reflections on the Youth Leadership and Advocacy Training

August 10, 2023, marked a significant milestone as the Youth Leadership and Advocacy Training took place in Ho. This significant event marked the first training conducted under the auspices of the “Young and Safe” project.  Bringing together a diverse group of 30 participants, including young individuals, youth leaders, students, and aspiring politicians. The one-day program not only energized these enthusiastic participants but also laid the foundation for a journey towards youth empowerment, effective advocacy, and positive community transformation in Ho City. 

Our training featured a dynamic lineup of speakers and interactive sessions that explored critical themes in leadership and advocacy. The event commenced with a warm welcome from Mr Courage Asase, the Managing Director of Node Eight. He shared his hope that some of the young participants would consider careers that have the potential to create a positive influence on society. Leading the first training session, Hon Mawunyo Agbe, presiding member of the Ho Municipal Assembly, took the reins. He shared his invaluable experiences and provided insights into both the complex legislative framework of local government working structure and then touched on the essence of Communication and Marketing Skills within the context of Local Governance Elections. 

However, the heart of this session was the participants themselves. Their expectations and aspirations were expressed using sticky notes, forming a collaborative foundation that shaped the course of the day. 

Understanding the essence of advocacy and the strategies to execute successful campaigns was the focus of the next segment. Lawyer Andrews Dodzi Adugu, Senior State Attorney took the stage with fervor, delving into the essence of advocacy in driving meaningful change. Drawing from his wealth of expertise, he stressed the significance of identifying problems and effectively targeting audiences. “As an advocate, ensure your message is clear, and not confusing,” he underscored. This session wasn’t just about theory; participants eagerly absorbed these insights and embarked on collective explorations of strategies that can breathe life into successful advocacy campaigns. 

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Here are some of the key takeaways from the Advocacy training session: 

• Advocacy is about taking action to support or defend a specific cause. It is a powerful tool for change, but it requires careful planning and execution. 
• Duty bearers are the individuals or entities responsible for addressing the issues that young people are advocating for. It is important to recognize and involve duty-bearers in the advocacy process, as they are the ones who can make the most meaningful changes. 
• Advocacy campaigns should be tailored to the specific target audience. What motivates them? What are their concerns? What are their pain points? By understanding the target audience, advocates can craft messages that are more likely to resonate and generate action. 

Mr. Vincent Adzika, the Municipal Director at The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Ho, led the concluding session on Leadership Development and Strategies 

Delving into leadership traits, he highlighted: 

• Leaders excel at spotting talent and motivating those in their circle. 
• Compassion is non-negotiable for effective leadership. 
• Forge a team built on trust, supported by wise counsel. 
• Delegation coupled with staying informed is key. 

As the event concluded, the participants left with not only a wealth of knowledge but also a renewed sense of purpose. The Youth Leadership and Advocacy Training, led by the Ho Municipal Assembly, created a platform for participants to become agents of change in the heart of Ho – the oxygen city, armed with the tools of effective advocacy, communication, transparent governance, community engagement, and collaborative leadership. 

This initiative is a critical component of The Young and Safe project, generously funded by Fondation Botnar. Node Eight, a digital innovation hub, in collaboration with LoveAid Foundation, Ho Municipal Assembly, and Ghana Education Service has 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. Read more about The Young and Safe project.  

In the aftermath of this milestone event, one truth remains clear: the future belongs to those who are dedicated to positive change, equipped with knowledge, and driven by a passion for progress.