Plan International launches mentorship and role-modelling programme for 50 girls

Plan International Ghana, an international non-governmental organization has launched a mentorship and role-modelling programme for about 50 adolescent girls in the Upper Manya Krobo District and Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region.

The adolescent girls were drawn from 10 school communities within the region.

The initiative aims to empower adolescent girls with the necessary knowledge, skills, and support to make informed decisions about their future and to inspire them to achieve their full potential.

The project, “Be Smart, Learn and Stay Protected “ project stands as a beacon of hope and progress within the prevailing communities.

Participants were taken through gender and career, education pathways, communication skills, leadership, and time management.

Others include psychological skills and career and personal development plans.

In a welcome address, the Akuapem North Municipal Education Director, Mr. Lawrence Dzah commended Plan International for conceiving the idea behind the project.

He identified the project as a unique model among NGOs in the municipality which would go a long way to mitigate existing social challenges in these communities.

Mr. Dzah highlighted the project's resounding success, emphasizing the positive impact on learners in the selected five schools.

He lauded the programme for its tailor-measured approach to gender and career education which helps students appreciate the opportunities discussed during the workshop.

The Education Director stressed the importance of nurturing gender parity at all levels, noting that providing young girls with the necessary information and empowerment would enable them to face the future with confidence.

He seized the opportunity to advise chaperones and girl child coordinators to be proactive in guiding the learners in view of their vulnerability.

In a keynote address, the Project Coordinator, Mr. Mahmoud E.K Nantomah said Plan International is committed to creating a just world that advances children’s rights and promotes equality for girls.

He said the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened numerous challenges facing girls including increased gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy often driven by harmful traditional practices and limited access to education.

In response to these challenges, he said, the project serves as a pillar of support and a catalyst for positive change in these communities.

According to him, as part of the project's strategy for sustainable change, mentorship has been identified as a critical component of the outlined measures for effectual change.

Mr. Nantomah indicated that by empowering and exposing selected adolescent girls to career and educational opportunities, the project aims to motivate them to identify and pursue their goals.

As part of the mentorship programme, the adolescents visited Koforidua Technical University where they engaged with female faculty lectures who took them through various career disciplines and encouraged them to pursue higher education.

They also visited the Koforidua bead market where they learned about traditional beads and beads-making.

The visitations and interactions were a calculated attempt to provide participants with inspiration and guidance to pursue higher life ambitions and professional goals.