From December 23rd to 28th, 2024, Bowney Initiative welcomed 23 adolescent girls from four Junior High Schools in Accra and Berekuso for a week-long training at Prisdark Academy, Nungua. It was the first step of a four-year journey aimed at equipping them to realize their goals and become change leaders in society. With a 76% acceptance rate, girls were selected from a pool of applicants across Queen Jane’s School, St. De Michael’s School, Fidelity Juvenile School, and Field Engineer Basic School. These young leaders embarked on a transformative experience, designed to cultivate their leadership potential and prepare them for a brighter future.
The Journey Begins: Breaking Barriers, Building Confidence
The program kicked off with ice-breaking activities and team-building exercises, including the Marshmallow Challenge. This activity saw the girls working in teams to build the tallest structure using spaghetti, masking tape and rope. “I came here feeling shy and unsure,” said Joyce from Queen Jane’s School, “but I’ve learned to speak up and share my ideas confidently.”
The keynote Speaker, Ms. Melissa Allotey, ACCA, a Strategy Manager at KPMG and a lifelong mentor at Bowney through her experiences shared with the girls habits she developed as an adolescent girl which prepared her for success. Leading on the topic: Building a Strong Foundation for Lasting Success, she put girls into groups to discuss core values such as resilience, hard work and commitment. By the end of the first day, the girls were already stepping out of their comfort zones.
Throughout the week, the girls were immersed in sessions around character building, sexual and reproductive health, entrepreneurial leadership and digital literacy.
- Goal-Setting and Vision Boarding: Led by Facilitator, Ms. Addobea Dapare Addo, MBA Candidate North Eastern University, each girl set two short term academic and leadership goals. After, they visualised their long term goals through a vision boarding activity. “Seeing my dreams on paper made me believe they are possible,” shared Anastasia, from Queen Jane School.
- Digital Literacy: The girls gained essential skills to navigate the online world safely, exploring online learning tools like Khan Academy to enhance their learning.
- Community Problem-Solving: Working in groups, they tackled real-world challenges such as teenage pregnancy and deforestation, presenting bold, practical solutions that reflected their passion and optimism.
- Entrepreneurship: Hearing the experiences of entrepreneurs and tips on how to manage and grow they began to dream big while planning wisely.
Seeds of Transformation
Over the period, the girls spoke with newfound confidence, approached challenges with resilience, and exhibited a sense of purpose. Each vision board showcased growth and aspirations of the girls. From aiming to be neurosurgeons, software engineers, business women, English Professors, and leaders who will give back to the community, they were determined to focus and achieve their dreams.
Nine parents attended the closing ceremony and were inspired by the goals of their children. Ms. Franca Tsogbe, a proud mother, was excited the girls were taking charge of their lives and putting in the efforts to make their dreams come true.
Mr.
Adams, Headmaster of Queen Jane school reiterated his support for girls education. In his own words, “I will always release my girls for this program”. He, together with parents, assisted to hand over a certificate of participation to all the girls.
A Promising Future
The program’s impact extends beyond the weeklong training. Over the next three years, the girls will be guided and supported by mentors from diverse industries to achieve their goals throughout their secondary education.
For these young leaders, the journey has just begun. With your continued partnership, Bowney Initiative will nurture their potential, turning their dreams into reality and empowering them to become the change-makers of tomorrow.