By: Eric Crentsil
The West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE), in collaboration with the US Embassy, has announced the launch of an ambitious new project, “Building Change Makers for Change.” This initiative aims to inspire Ghanaian youth to embrace community service and volunteerism as effective tools for social change.
Addressing the media at a press briefing, the Executive Director of the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE), Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, highlighted the significance of community service and volunteerism, practices often associated with the developed world, and their potential to foster social change, build resilient societies, and enhance community life. The project seeks to empower young Ghanaians by leveraging these values to address pressing societal issues.
“In Northern Ghana, youth unemployment remains a major challenge,” a spokesperson for WACCE stated. “Unemployment immobilizes young people, leading to issues like drugs, armed robbery, burglary, alcohol abuse, and related crimes. With limited skills training and internship opportunities, many unemployed youth turn to these vices, resulting in long-term consequences such as hardcore criminal behavior and substance addiction.”
WACCE believes that introducing unemployed youth, including school dropouts, to volunteerism and community service can serve as a gateway to the job market. “By engaging in community service, youth can acquire valuable job skills, enhance their social skills, and build self-esteem. Volunteerism can inspire them to create life-changing initiatives for their communities,” the spokesperson added.
The “Building Change Makers for Change” project, funded by the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF), will provide leadership training for 120 participants. The training will focus on leadership, gender-based violence, community service, and volunteerism. Following the two-day training session, participants will carry out community service activities in four selected areas in Tamale and Accra.
The project aims to build a culture of community service, instill responsible leadership, and foster community spirit among Ghanaian youth. WACCE called on the media and the public to support the initiative to ensure its successful implementation.
