THE MOTHERS OF AFRICA an NGO with a mission to Educate, train and shelter African children/youth especially the deprived ones to meet Africa’s great need of good leadership donated boxes of books to support NNEKA YOUTH FOUNDATION.

Reach For change Ghana visited Nneka Youth Foundation during its May 2014 # World Changers Camp with several others.

In this picture from extreme right  are friends of Nneka from the US,  Rev. Fr.Isaac  Benuyena, Dr.Susan Wilcox ( Our International Consultant), Giulia Tavolato and Amma lartey( Reach For Change Ghana), Hon. Joseph Amenowode( Member of parliament for Afadjato South District), Cecilia Fiaka( Mama Nneka),Gwen , Mrs. Stella Kuda  and Maj. H.C. F Parku.

 

FRIENDS OF NNEKA WITH REACH FOR CHANGE

MEMBER OF PARLAMENT FOR NINGO- PRAMPRAM DISTRICT AND SOME OTHERS IN A GROUP PHOTOGRAPH DURING THE CAMP

Hon. E.T. Mensah( MP), Justice Benson, Mr.Edem Fiaka , Hon. Habib( Assembly member) and some participants at the camp.

Over the last couple of years the Nneka Youth Foundation has taken giant strides towards the psychological pruning as well personality and potential shaping of youth in less privileged communities.

On the 5th of May 2014, the NNEKA bandwagon pulled over at Afienya  fully loaded with treasures of wisdom and youth development. After a lot of ground work which included stakeholder engagement, workshops for community leaders including Member of parliament, District Chief Executive,  Assemblymen, Volunteers, sensitization of school staff, churches, parents, introductory sessions in schools, sponsorship seeking and publicity, the stage was set for the much anticipated life changing journey.

Our list of marque resource persons boasted of High Court justices, Clinical Psychologists, Army officers, Teachers, Top echelon Bankers, Reverend Ministers among others.

A total of 15 schools in and around the Afienya community participated in the May 2014 summer camp, the sheer enthusiasm and desire that characterized the atmosphere of the camp reflected in the attendance and the determination etched on the faces of each of the participants.

The camp kicked off with the usual demarcation into groups and the learning of group slogans and camp chants, the excitement was unbelievable, the drive was phenomenal. The children showed in bellowing decibels that they were indeed strapped and ready for a life changing ride.

The first talk delivered espoused cultural values and drew a sharp dichotomy between acceptable cultural norms and sidelined folkways. The resource person indicated the role of culture in the development of the child. It was indeed expository as well as very elaborative on practices and beliefs that should be held on to and those that should be discarded. It also placed a particular emphasis on the blind copying of western culture.

The next topic zoomed in on choices and their long and short term effects. The resource person intimated the need to be analytical but circumspect in the choices we make. The overbearing consequences of choices stem from the absence of prior thought and expert consultation.

The next Gem of wisdom bequeathed to the children was the fact that they are unique but individually special. The resource person employed a few demonstrations to prove the fact that individuals are gifted with different talents and abilities, but each of them are equally important and instrumental. This encouraged the participants to identify and develop their talents and unique abilities.

The participants were next educated on accepting and considering the view points of others. This was to ignite the flame of selflessness as well as the willingness to learn from others and respect others.

As the camp begun to take shape, the participants grew in confidence and participated keenly in discussions, their line of questioning was indeed intriguing. It was evident that lessons were being learnt.The topic of drug abuse and its denigrating effects was next on the bill, the resource person talked extensively on the causes, effects and long term repercussions of drug abuse. He sternly advised the youth to steer clear if they ever wanted to see the bright future they were working towards.

The all important subject of HIV /AIDS was also discussed.The youth were taught how to avoid it and how to deal with stigmatization.

The fun activity interludes were also essential. They lightened up the ambience and watered the grounds for the motivational seeds to be sown.

The children were then given life lessons on how to live a purpose driven life, how and why they must set goals and how to hold aloft the flag of determination as well as tolerance and trust. These are indeed the keys that will unlock their abilities.

A session on reproductive health was also in place to educate the children. The key focus was on teenage pregnancy and it’s stalling effects.

The parents of participants were not left out of the NNEKA experience. They were invited to participate on the last day of the  six day camp where the rights and responsibilities of children as well as parents according to The UN Convention were clearly espoused by the speaker for better appreciation.

All in all, the ride was breathtaking and success stimulating. Another Squadron of world changers had been set on course. It was an empowering experience,

the building blocks of the foundations of our future. It is indeed essential to raise healthy children than to repair damaged adults.