In line with the organization’s mandate of ensuring that the potential of all young people are fulfilled, United Nations Population Fund Ghana in collaboration with the Those Who Inspire organization, held an inauguration ceremony on 10th February 2020 at the Alisa Hotel, to usher the new cohort of the Youth Leaders Fellowship (YoLe) into the UNFPA family.
The ceremony which was well attended by the public including Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Heads and staff of various United Nations agencies as well as partner representatives, involved human library sessions facilitated by 7 inspirational leaders who are positively impacting their community. These leaders shared their stories to the youth and empowered them to work indefatigably to pursue their dreams.
In his opening remarks, the Australian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Andrew Barnes congratulated UNFPA Ghana for organizing this scheme that helps young people learn about the United Nations and prepare them to be productive citizens in the future.
Twenty-one (21) young graduates made up of 14 women and 7 men were out-doored to undergo professional development training for a year. Each of the 21 fellows received their official UN tags and a newly published book from Those Who Inspire.
During their solidarity messages to the newly out-doored fellows, the Managing Director of Ecobank Mr. Daniel Sackey and Managing Director of UBA, Mr. Isong Udom respectively lauded UNFPA on the initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to support this worthy cause.
According to the UNFPA Representative Mr. Niyi Ojuolape, the YoLe Fellowship Programme had been impactful, citing the first cohort’s experiences which had led them to gaining work and school placements right after the programme.
The Special Guest for the occasion, Ms Sylvia Lopez-Ekra, the acting Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Ghana said the initiative is a testament of UN’s commitment to invest massively in the youth by broadening horizons and giving the youth responsibilities. She was grateful to UNFPA for leading this youth programme in Ghana.
The Youth Leaders fellowship is a yearlong program designed to address the needs and build the agency of young people, as well as UNFPA’s mission of delivering a world where every young person’s potential is fulfilled. It also provides them with opportunities for professional development and training in driving health-innovation.
