a huge success!

March 2

The moment we were waiting for arrived!  We held our event... now titled “Building Responsible Leaders:  A Day of Youth Empowerment” on March 2.  What an incredible day! 

The day started with a formal registration with hopes of the students feeling like they were attending a professional conference.  Once the welcoming address and opening prayer wrapped up, we had three breakout sessions for the students to attend on a rotating basis:  microfinance, financial planning and entrepreneurship.   Students scribbled notes and asked so many questions – I know that being connected to these key figures in the community will help them once they graduate.

After lunch the focus switched from business to Women’s Day with some very awesome key note speakers.  Lyddia and Patricia from Women in Law and Development in Africa came to give the students an inspiring and empowering talk on domestic violence.  Though I couldn’t understand most of it (it was in Fanti), I was still moved to the brink of tears hearing the passion in their voices.  Following the ladies from WilDAF came a Legal Aid lawyer named Sweetie Sowa to address women’s legal rights.  She also touched on the need for women to come in solidarity and treat each other with respect if we are to demand it from others.  Powerfully thought-provoking and empowering all rolled into one.

The day wrapped up with some music and dancing – something these students are well versed in.  All in all, an amazing event.  I am so proud of our team for pulling it off with such style in such a short amount of time.  I know these students have never been to this type of event before and that they left feeling important, recognized and inspired... what else could we possibly ask for?!  Woo!!