Curious Minds organised a three-day capacity-building workshop in the Asene Manso Akroso district of the Eastern region of Ghana. The workshop supported by RFSU equipped twenty-three (23) young people from Akim Manso and Akim Asuboa with skills and knowledge needed to address the prevalent issue of teenage pregnancy in their communities.

Given the alarming rate of teenage pregnancy in the region, the training focused on providing comprehensive education about sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) to the participants. Representatives from the Ghana Health Service facilitated discussions on menstrual hygiene, personal hygiene, abstinence, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Insightfully, participants highlighted the various factors contributing to teenage pregnancy, including peer pressure, low socioeconomic conditions, and influence from older individuals.

During the workshop, the participants not only received sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) education, but also had the unique opportunity to engage with influential female figures in the community. These included the District Director for Health, the Manager of Akim Rural Bank, the Head of the Police Service in the district, and the District Electoral Commission Officer. The purpose of this interactions was to inspire the youth champions to aspire to similar leadership roles in the future, encouraging them to dream big and champion the need for development. Additionally, participants were advised to seek further assistance from these offices, highlighting the value of mentorship and support.

The workshop also provided valuable insights into alternative career opportunities. The District Agricultural Director stressed the importance of agriculture and potential agricultural ventures to generate income and employment within the district. Furthermore, the Business Advisory Commission (BAC) Officer educated the youth champions on accessing grants to support their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Richard Essah, a participant in the workshop, expressed his satisfaction with the training, emphasising that the knowledge gained would enable him to educate his peers on the risks of STIs and advocate for abstinence. Ivy Appiah echoed similar sentiments, pledging to discourage teenage pregnancy within her community and promote healthier lifestyle choices among her peers.

Overall, the workshop not only equipped the youth champions with crucial knowledge, but also empowered them to become advocates for positive change within their communities. By addressing the root causes of teenage pregnancy and promoting informed decision-making, these young individuals are poised to drive meaningful transformation and contribute to a brighter future for the Akim Manso and Asuboa communities in the Asene Manso Akroso district of the Eastern Region of Ghana.