By Buertey Francis BORYOR
The ‘Youth Thrive’ project, a transformative new scholarship initiative funded by the Steele Family Foundation- Canada, has been launched in Accra.
The Initiative’s aim is to empower 150 young people aged 14 to 18 in Junior High School (JHS), Form 3, through academic and career guidance, internships, mentorship programs, and work attachments, while encouraging personal development through digital skills, mental health support, and experiential learning.
It is being implemented by the Steele Family Foundation, in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages- Canada, SOS Children’s Village- Ghana, Head of State Award (HoSa) scheme- Ghana, and Ghana Education Service (GES), Shai Osu-Doku.
Municipal Director of Education- Shai Osu-Doku, Madam Harriet Lomotey, in her keynote address at the launching ceremony, emphasised the significance of the Youth Thrive project, saying, it provides a holistic framework that integrates educational attainment, employability, life skills, and community engagement towards national growth.
She added that, it will empower vulnerable young people and pave the way for a brighter future for Ghana’s next generation.
“By enhancing access to scholarships, academic guidance, and career mentorship, the Youth Thrive Project directly closes barriers such as limited opportunities, high youth unemployment, and the skills gap,” she added.
Furthermore, Ms. Lomotey said that the project’s innovative components- the Y Scholarship Programme, and the Earn-to-Learn systems not only reward effort but also, encourage continuous learning, and create opportunity for personal growth.
Moreover, she urged the project’s beneficiaries to embrace the opportunity with passion and determination, as it is once in a lifetime.
“The Youth Tribe project offers you a platform to excel, but your commitment, your hard work, your integrity, and your passion will be the keys to unlock full potentials. Strive not just for personal success, but for the betterment of your communities and the country as a whole.
“You are the custodians of Ghana’s future. In your hands lies the power to drive innovation, foster unity, and build a nation that reflects or collective aspirations,” she elaborated.
Founder and President of the Steele Family Foundation, Mr. Michael Steele in keynote remarks at the event also indicated, his Foundation has been dedicated to funding grassroots charitable initiatives for over 17 years.
He added that through the WISE scholarship programme, his outfit empowers ‘Stranded Superstar’ participants with resources, mentorship, and opportunities to achieve their goals.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Head of State Award (HOSA) scheme- Ghana, Mr. Harry B. Sintim-Aboagye in remarks during the ceremony said, young people without parental care and support frequently face heightened risks related to unmet developmental needs. He added that, these circumstances primarily stem from limited access to quality education due to financial constraints, mismatched employability skills, and inadequate life skills such as digital literacy and career guidance.
“Young people lack sufficient access to Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services,” he also said.
Mr. Sintim-Aboagye thanked the Foundation for its passion, commitment, and interest in the educational development of young people in the country and throughout Africa.
Additionally, he appealed to the Foundation to extend the beneficiaries from 150 to many more vulnerable young people in deprived communities across the country.
Furthermore, the HOSA Chairman urged effective implementation of the impactful Youth Thrive initiative.
“I want to encourage the implementing partners to do everything possible to ensure the effective delivery of this important and impactful project for the benefit of young people in Ghana and Africa,” he said.
Mr. Alexander Mar Kekula, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages- Ghana, stated in a speech read on his behalf by the Organization’s National Programmes Development Manager, Mr. Anthony Owusu-Gyamfi, that the initiative reflects the Nonprofit Organization’s shared vision of creating a future in which young people thrive.
“Through enhanced educational opportunities, scholarships, and community engagement, this project reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that every child and young person we serve has access to the resources, mentorship, and support they need to achieve their full potential. The impact will be felt not only in the lives of individual beneficiaries but also in the communities that will witness their growth, resilience, and leadership.
“Education remains a powerful tool for breaking cycles of poverty, opening doors to opportunity, and inspiring hope in the hearts of our youth. The Youth Thrive Project is a testament to the belief that investing in education and youth empowerment is not just an act of charity—it is a strategic imperative for our collective progress.,” he elaborated.
About the Youth Thrive project
The Youth Thrive Project seeks to enhance WISE participant’s self-reliance by improving their educational attainment, employability, life skills, and community engagement. It addresses key challenges in the country, such as limited access to scholarships, high unemployment, and a lack of essential life skills and mentorship. As a core component of the project, the WISE Scholarship Program awards full scholarships to deserving WISE participants, enabling them to pursue post-secondary education in Ghana. Scholarships are determined through a four-year, 100-point “Earn to Learn” system, which evaluates WISE participants across various pillars and achievements.
