OXFAM representative Thelma Hayford has urged young people to seize the opportunities available to them and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Madam Hayford disclosed this during the Youth Leadership Forum organized by Foundation for Security Development in Africa (FOSDA), and the Greater Accra Regional Youth Network, with support from OXFAM among other stakeholders.
The event was under the theme “Shaping the Future: Youth Leadership in Transforming Local Governance”. Mrs Magdalene Kannae, Local Government Expert, Member National Peace Council, Board Member of FOSDA, gave the keynote address with a call on the youth to live a life worthy of emulation.
However, Madam Hayford emphasized the importance of taking advantage of the current space created for young people to lead and drive change.
“The time is now,” Hayford stressed. “There is space created for young people to lead, and we have to take advantage of it. This is not the time to sit back and relax or relent on our efforts, but to rather find ways to make our contributions continue to count.”
Hayford also acknowledged the efforts of Team FOSDA and the Greater Accra Youth Network, praising their consultative approach and strategic thinking. However, Hayford cautioned that there is still much work to be done, particularly in areas such as gender inclusion, gender equity, and social inclusion.
To achieve this, Hayford encouraged young people to “bloom where you are planted.” This phrase emphasizes the importance of making the most of one’s current circumstances and flourishing despite adversity.
As Hayford noted, Psalm 92 and other biblical verses encourage believers to flourish in their current circumstances. Hayford’s call to action is clear: young people must take advantage of the opportunities available to them and work towards creating positive change in their communities.
By doing so, they can make a meaningful impact and create a brighter future for themselves and those around them. “We want to see more of you taking up some of these opportunities as they come,” Hayford said. “But even when they don’t come yet, please bloom where you are planted. Take advantage of any opportunity to lead and harness your skills.”
Hayford concluded by emphasizing the importance of continued support and collaboration. “We are here to support however we can,” Hayford said. “And we’ll continue to work with FOSTA and the Beta Value Network to advance your interest.”
In brief remarks, Theodora Williams Anti, Executive Director of the Foundation for Security Development in Africa (FOSDA), emphasized the importance of community mobilization. “If we have a better agrarian youth network, working strongly in your community, in your districts, and you see something wrong, I’m sure you can mash out your people,” Anti said. “You can bring together your people and you can advocate.”
Anti shared a personal anecdote, highlighting the need for collective action. “I live along the Hamasaman Road, where they are constructing this Humasi Highway. And the dust, that is killing us. I told my husband, I’m going to organize a demonstration.”
Anti’s message is clear: young people have the power to create change, my and they must take action to make their voices heard. “We need to rise up. We need to speak up. We need to mobilize our people to speak up against the wrongs. And that is leadership.”
