On Friday, 16th September , 16 Campaign Ambassadors (CA’s) embarked on an outreach for the first Face to Face campaign of the #WeParticipate project. The schools visited, were Epinal Senior High School and Kempshot Business College. The CA’s engaged the students in a very interactive and youth friendly session on the importance of voting, and peace in Ghana as essential elements for development. They used various Scenarios to illustrate how voting during elections is the voice, a right and also a responsibility of every responsible Ghanaian voter.
They also engaged the students in an assessment of various variables that lead to destruction of peace, and political instability. Mr Zakiyu Iddris Tindannayil, a Zongo youth activist, social entrepreneur and YALI RLC alumni enlightened the youth about how political parties can influence young people to engage in electoral offence. He used various practical examples and personal experiences to explain how peace is an invaluable necessity for Ghana’s development and should never be compromised because of personal gains.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
The students in both schools were given the opportunity to ask questions and they asked questions such as:
In Epinal SHS, the students raised concern about not having love for Ghana because of corruption, mismanagement of funds and lack of confidence in leaders. For some of them these were the reasons why they didn’t have interest voting.The CA’s did well to answer all questions without being biased towards any political party, ethnic group, sex, etc. They entreated the students to believe in themselves as leaders and be the change they want to see.
SCHOOL AMBASSADORS RECRUITED
To ensure sustainability and continuity the Campaign, the team recruited 4 student Campaign Ambassadors who would further educate and remind all students through monthly meet up sessions before, during and after the elections.
AMBASSADORS PRESENT
CONCLUSION
In all, 97 students, 4 student ambassadors and 9 teachers were reached. The teachers and administration were excited about the campaign and pledged to spread the word on voting and standing for peace. Many thanks to all our campaign ambassadors for their selfless and devoted service to helping educate the youth on civic rights and the essence of ensuring the peace of mother Ghana.
Wherever you are, join the #WeParticipate campaign! Pledge to Vote! Pledge for Peace! Take a minute to sign the petition here: www.patriotsghana.org/petitionpledge/