Tiyumba Hope Foundation has organized a Regional Teens Summit for young people in the Northern Regional capital Tamale.
The 2021 Northern Regional Teens Summit, held in collaboration with SWIDA, Plan International Ghana, and Empowerment for Life Programme was themed: “creating an enabling environment for meaningful youth participation in COVID-19.”
The gathering discussed the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in accessing Sexual Reproductive Health services and contraceptives, menstrual cycle and health, drug abuse among teenagers in the region.
The participants were taken through topics on teenage pregnancy, sexual reproductive health, how to build confidence among themselves and others.
The Executive Director of Tiyumba Foundation, Ms Fadila Fuseini in her address stated that, the COVID-19 pandemic had brought untold suffering especially among the youth, particularly young girls, and rapidly eroded gains made by key national health actors, including Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
She opined Uneasy access to contraceptives & other SRH services, unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortion are just few of the many challenges experienced by young girls in these trying times. She mentioned that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) recognized the important role young people play in the development arena.
“Young people become more confident and passionate when they see that their views are being taken seriously and represented. Yet too many youths are unable to participate fully in society and in decision-making process. she stated
“Young people need opportunities to develop life skills that will help them avoid risky behaviours, improve and maintain their physical and mental health, opportunities to develop other skills,” she stated
“Again, continuing quality education is key to the development of young people. she added.
Some of the participants from selected Senior High Schools spoke to Diamond News on how such platforms would help create opportunities for them to learn.
Story By: Alhassan Yakubu
