The ‘Young and Safe Bootcamps’ Empowered 60 Informal Workforce Youth in Ho

The Young and Safe Project under the Healthy Cities for Adolescents Program – II organized Young and Safe Bootcamps for 60 young individuals in Ho working as beauticians, makeup artists, hairdressers, and other informal roles from June 5th to June 7th, 2024, at the Ho Municipal Assembly. 

This three-day event was a strategic response to pressing challenges faced by youth in Ho, as revealed by the Ho Youth Well-being Index. Although 46% of Youth in Ho knew about their sexual and reproductive health specifically contraceptives, a significant 54% did not have such knowledge. Compounding this, 42% of young people reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression and anxiety, corresponding with a 69% rate of substance use and more.  

Recognizing these multifaceted needs, the Young and Safe Bootcamps adopted a holistic approach to equip participants with the tools to proactively manage their well-being in areas of sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and cyber health. 

On the first day, Mr. Charles Gomenu, the Ho Municipal Director of the National Youth Authority emphasized the importance of involving young people in decisions around their sexual and reproductive health, underscoring the value of empowering informed choices. 

Building on this foundation, Madam Shine Gavey, the Ho Municipal Health Promotion Officer tackled the sensitive issue of breaking stigma and promoting healthy menstrual hygiene and sexual activities. Participants learned the significance of open communication, mutual consent, and responsible behaviour in enhancing sexual health and reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections. 

The mental health sessions were led by Mr. Gyeedu Joseph from the Ho Municipal Hospital and Mr. Wisdom Kodjo, the Unit Head of the Department of Social Welfare for the Ho Municipal. In these interactive sessions, youth learned how to manage depression, anxiety, and substance abuse – essential skills for navigating youth challenges. 

“Life can be really tough sometimes, and those tough situations can definitely take a toll on our mental health,” Mr. Joseph explained. “But the good news is, recognizing how our actions and choices impact our mental state is the first step to taking better care of ourselves.” 

Recognizing the growing influence of digital spaces, the boot camps also equipped participants with strategies for maintaining cyber health. Led by Joshua Tetteh Ayayi, Program Director at LoveAid Foundation and Mr. Gerhardt Datsomor of Node Eight, the sessions covered topics related to cyber health and online security. 

In the first session on cyber health, Joshua Tetteh Ayayi emphasized the importance of safeguarding our online reputation and privacy. He encouraged participants to regularly review and manage their privacy settings, be mindful of their online activities, and utilize tools to monitor their digital footprint. 

“Being mindful of what you post, share, and engage with online can greatly impact your overall digital reputation and presence.” – Joshua emphasized.  

The second session on cyber health, led by Mr. Gerhardt Datsomor, focused on key aspects of online security. Participants learned about the necessity of creating strong, unique passwords and the effectiveness of two-factor authentication. Mr. Datsomor also provided guidance on reporting cyber threats to the Ghana Police Service.  

The Young and Safe Bootcamps equipped these 60 young people with an invaluable toolkit to navigate complex life challenges like stigma, mental health struggles, and digital threats, empowering them to make informed choices and become beacons of holistic wellness in Ho, Volta Region, Ghana and beyond. 

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