The Young and Safe Boot Camps Launched to Tackle Mental Health, Sexual Education, and Cyber Hygiene in Ho

The situation in Ho is concerning, as the adolescents and youth in the community face various challenges that impact their overall well-being, including mental health, sexual and reproductive health, safety, and the critical aspect of cyber hygiene. However, the well-being education provided by traditional sources such as teachers is falling short, leaving a substantial void in knowledge and support. 

To address these pressing challenges, immediate action is required. Recognizing the imperative to empower and educate the youth, the Young and Safe Boot Camp has been developed as a transformative initiative. This comprehensive program aims to educate and empower young individuals on vital topics, including Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Mental Health, and Cyber Hygiene. 

The Young and Safe Boot Camp is a collaboration between Node Eight, Ho Municipal Assembly, LoveAid Foundation, and Ghana Education Service and is supported by Fondation Botnar through the Healthy Cities for Adolescents Program (HCA-||), managed by Ecorys UK. 

After extensive stakeholder consultations, we are ready to roll out the outreaches among young people in our communities and Senior High Schools. 

 Important Areas of Focus: 

The boot camps will concentrate on three fundamental areas: 

 Sexual and Reproductive Health:

1. Educating Participants: Offering comprehensive insights into safe sexual practices, including using condoms and other contraceptives. 
2. Promoting Understanding: Advocating for understanding consent, healthy relationships, and gender equality. 
3. Creating Awareness: Enlightening the availability of sexual and reproductive health services and resources, ensuring young individuals know where to seek help. 

Mental Health:

1. Advocating for Mental Well-Being: Encouraging the adoption of practices that promote mental well-being and self-care. 
2. Reducing Stigma: Working tirelessly to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, fostering an environment of understanding and acceptance. 
3. Equip them to seek help: Providing young individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to recognize mental health concerns and seek appropriate help. 

Cyber Hygiene:

1. Emphasizing Online Safety: Underscoring the importance of online safety, privacy, and the need for responsible digital behavior. 
2. Raising Awareness: Shining a light on the prevalence of cyberbullying and equipping young individuals with strategies to prevent and address it. 
3. Encouraging Balance: Advocating for a balanced approach to screen time, ensuring a healthy digital lifestyle is maintained. 

Interactive and Impactful Activities: 

These outreaches will not be dull lectures, but interactive and engaging programs designed to leave understanding and impact. They will involve: 

• Workshops and Engaging Presentations: Led by trained facilitators who are experts in their respective fields, these sessions will captivate and educate the audience. 
• Group Discussions and Role-Playing Exercises: Designed to encourage active participation and ensure that understanding is not only imparted but also embraced. 
• Peer-Led Sessions: Here, young individuals will share experiences, learn from one another, and develop a sense of community to empower them. 
• Open and Candid Dialogue: An environment where myths and misconceptions surrounding all the key areas will be dispelled through open discussions and conversations. 

Boot Camp Schedule: 

Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights: 

Led by LoveAid Foundation 

• Mawuko Girls Senior High School: October 20th – 21st, 2023. 
• Mawuli Senior High School: October 27th – 28th, 2023. 

Mental Health: 

Led by GES (Ghana Education Service – Ho Municipal Directorate) 

• Mawuli Senior High School: October 20th – 21st, 2023.
• Mawuko Girls Senior High School: October 27th – 28th, 2023. 

Cyber Hygiene: 

Led by Node Eight 

• Mawuko Girls Senior High School: November 3rd – 4th, 2023. 
• Mawuli Senior High School: November 10th – 11th, 2023. 

Why the Outreaches Matters: 

These outreach programs are of utmost importance. Adolescence and young adulthood are pivotal stages in an individual’s life, marked by curiosity, exploration, and the formation of beliefs and behaviours that can last a lifetime. These early years are critical to providing youth guidance and information because their choices affect their future. 

Empowering Through Education: 

The Young and Safe Project recognizes the significance of knowledge and information as tools for empowerment. By focusing on sexual and reproductive health, mental well-being, and responsible digital behaviour, the project aims to provide young individuals with the resources they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. 

Together, we will uncover how knowledge can empower, how awareness can dismantle stigmas, and how informed decisions can collectively shape the future. Join us on our mission to empower Ho’s youth one outreach at a time. The road to a healthier, more informed, and more resilient Ho City begins here. 

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