The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) on Friday, 28th October 2022 launched the second phase of its flagship project; the Ghana Youth Development Enhance Project dubbed ‘GYDEP 2,’The project is a youth focused project being implemented with the support from OXFAM in Ghana.
GYDEP 2 is policy influencing driven initiative that is aimed at strengthening Youth agency in Ghana and West Africa at large. It is specifically focused on issues related to youth development such as education, employment and health. This second phase of the project will leverage on gains made in the first phase, to increase youth voices in social and development issues.
The Executive Director of FOSDA, Theodora Williams Anti, speaking at the online launch of the project shared some of the successes of the first phase of the GYDEP project including; the facilitation of the establishment of youth networks in eight regions of Ghana and developing the capacities of young people in advocacy. She noted that under GYDEP 2. it was time for the youth to engage and use the capacities acquired and soft power to bring about the much-needed change in Ghana and West Africa. She said ‘GYDEP 2 will therefore focus on the influencing skills and capacities of young people harnessing their power and capacity to lead and influence change at all levels.’
The Executive Director also indicated that GYDEP 2 contributes directly to the attainment of Goals especially the Goal 4,5,8 and 10 of the UN sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the AU Agenda 2063.
Some of the activities under this project include an influencing training for 30 youth influencers, a youth led social media campaign on topical issues. A youth led regional advocacy and campaign on efficient expenditure in the TVET dubbed ‘ My TVET, My Report among others.
Speaking at the launch of the project, some the youth network leaders, including leaders of the Greater Accra, Northern and Upper East Regional Youth Networks, expressed readiness to rejuvenate the grassroot accountability and pledge their support for successful execution of the project objectives.
A senior Program Officer of YEfL Ghana, Mr. Aminu Mahama said in the face of the growing numbers of youth unemployment, inequalities and injustices in our society, this project has come at the right time. He called on young people to use the opportunity provided by this GYDEP2 to lead the campaign for the change we all desire.
Ms Vera Addo, a youth activist also expressed her support for the project.
GYEDEP 2 is a 2 year project starting october 2022 to 2024.