Selected youth from the 6 coastal district namely Shama, Sekondi-Takoradi, Ahanta West, Nzema East, Ellembelle and Jomoro in the Western Region have been trained on youth mobilization and engagement. The youth numbering 20 in all, were engaged in a two day training workshop at the Daakye Nsooma hub (a multipurpose center) Agona Nkwanta in the Ahanta West District.
The event was organized by the Youth Bridge Foundation (YBF), as part of the implementation of TEN partners Integrated Youth Development (IYD) project. The multifaceted project which seeks to contribute to the socio-economic development of the youth focuses on education, entrepreneurship, recreation and environmental sanitation among others.
Touching on youth volunteerism and mobilization, Mr. Enoch Boateng, the CEO of Education Volunteer Ghana (Eduvolgh) encouraged the young ambassadors to promote the spirit of volunteerism among young people in their respective communities. He added “the youth are the engine of development in any nation and therefore patriotism and selflessness is the key”. According to Mr. Boateng, out of volunteerism come numerous opportunities which will bring lasting blessing to the youth.
Participants were also sensitized on coastal sanitation and environmental preservation. Facilitating the session Elizabeth Tawiah, a volunteer with the IYD project urged the youth to observe good sanitary practices especially along the coastal communities and put in measure for others to follow. She urged ambassadors to assume self-discipline as far as waste disposal is concern and undertake self –help projects in the form of keep fit clean up exercises.
As part of the training, the ambassadors were enlightened on rules of beach soccer. According to the instructor Referee George Darko, participants as leaders in their communities can use beach soccer as a tool for mobilizing and engaging youth. The FIFA class one referee educated youth on the laws of the game, highlighting beach soccer coaching and refereeing.
Speaking to the ambassadors, Fredrick J. Kwofie, the Project Coordinator urged trainees to undertake leadership roles in their respective communities. He stated “commissioned as youth ambassadors, you will have to use knowledge received to bring the youth together and form groups that will undertake beneficial projects for your communities”.
