Young and Lonely Foundation envisions for a world of great opportunities for all people, particularly for women and children development. We want to help them unleash their full potential.
Proudly, we are also part of the Learn2Change network!
Climbing a good tree (documentary)
Watch our trailer for the upcoming documentary film “Climbing a good tree”.
“Connect for Change”
The handbook “Connect for Change – Shaping global educational partnerships and projects for change” aims to serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for the establishment, design and further development of global education partnerships and projects. It contains contributions from experts from all over the world
Handbook “Connect for Change” – Introduction
Our work is also featured in the handbook, as it was written in collaboration with YLF.
You can find an interview of the founder of YLF, Gilbert Kofi Germain, as well as information about our German-Ghanaian school partnership with the “Berufsbildende Schule 1” (vocational school) in Gifhorn (Germany).
The full book can be downloaded as PDF on the website www.connect-for-change.org.
Local authorities and leaders should participate in global educa-tional partnership because of their important role in good governance for sustainable development. In workhops they can learn more about the important connection bet-ween the educational systems and governance structure. They are exposed to cultu-ral differences and they are forced to be dynamic on how to use their leadership power structure. After a workshop, they are maybe able to to use these partnership experience to develop new cultural poli-cies to control their political leaderships back home. And they can give a bigger chance for the youth who participate in global educational partner-ships to exercise governance power in their home countries and implement the skills and knowledge acquireed.
Gilbert Kofi GermainTeacher at the St. Germain School, Ghana
Latest news from YLF
INAUGURATION OF YOUTH PARLIAMENT IN CENTRAL REGION – AGONA WEST MUNICIPALITY
On the 22nd of September 2021 six (6) YLF staff members (Mummidot Arko – Cobbah, Priscilla Turkson, Frank Appiah, Pearlings Amoah, Agnes Boabeng, Mark Martin Botwe and Agnes Boabeng) went to the inauguration of youth parliament in Agona West municipality.
The dignitaries present were Mr. Manuel Kweku Asiedu (former Agona West Mun. Director NYA), Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Anim (Central Regional director NYA), and a delegate from the office of the member of parliament from the Agona West.
Welcome addresses were given by Nana Agyei (Business Resource Center) and Mr. Manuel Asiedu (NYA). The purpose of the gathering was to promote youth participation in governance and leadership for a good democratic change and to train the youth to be able to accept leadership roles in the country.
The house was then divided into majority and minority caucuses and there was the election of speaker and deputies and also leaders for both the majority and minority caucuses and their deputies. There was the procession from outside to the chamber and then the youth parliament proceedings began. Opening prayer was given by the speaker Rt. Hon. Speaker Derrick Fio and the acceptance speech by the speaker.
We took a look at some problems in some of vicinities.
Some of these problems were:
• Poor Sanitation
• Bad roads
• School dropouts
• Bad drains
• Poverty and single parenting
• Need for schools in Muslim communities
And also suggested ways in which youth vices like drug abuse, school dropouts and unemployment can be curbed. Some of these include;
• Introduction of entrepreneurial developments to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Sensitization/creating of awareness for misguided youths
• Entrepreneurship workshops for graduates to cut down the rate of unemployment
• Skills training for undergraduates
What is governance?
• accountability
• transparency
• norms and values
• equity
there was announcement and then the meeting was adjourned. Closing prayer given by the Speaker.
On the 22nd of September 2021 six (6) YLF staff members (Mummidot Arko – Cobbah, Priscilla Turkson, Frank Appiah, Pearlings Amoah, Agnes Boabeng, Mark Martin Botwe and Agnes Boabeng) went to the inauguration of youth parliament in Agona West municipality.
The dignitaries present were Mr. Manuel Kweku Asiedu (former Agona West Mun. Director NYA), Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Anim (Central Regional director NYA), and a delegate from the office of the member of parliament from the Agona West.
Welcome addresses were given by Nana Agyei (Business Resource Center) and Mr. Manuel Asiedu (NYA). The purpose of the gathering was to promote youth participation in governance and leadership for a good democratic change and to train the youth to be able to accept leadership roles in the country.
The house was then divided into majority and minority caucuses and there was the election of speaker and deputies and also leaders for both the majority and minority caucuses and their deputies. There was the procession from outside to the chamber and then the youth parliament proceedings began. Opening prayer was given by the speaker Rt. Hon. Speaker Derrick Fio and the acceptance speech by the speaker.
We took a look at some problems in some of vicinities.
Some of these problems were:
• Poor Sanitation
• Bad roads
• School dropouts
• Bad drains
• Poverty and single parenting
• Need for schools in Muslim communities
And also suggested ways in which youth vices like drug abuse, school dropouts and unemployment can be curbed. Some of these include;
• Introduction of entrepreneurial developments to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Sensitization/creating of awareness for misguided youths
• Entrepreneurship workshops for graduates to cut down the rate of unemployment
• Skills training for undergraduates
What is governance?
• accountability
• transparency
• norms and values
• equity
there was announcement and then the meeting was adjourned. Closing prayer given by the Speaker.
KAIPTC CERTIFICATE COURSE IN GENDER PEACE AND SECURITY
On the 4th_ 9th of July YLF staff participated in a certificate course in Gender Peace and Security organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center – KAIPTC. The course was focused on capacity building for women only.
Day 1: CONCEPT OF GENDER PEACE AND SECURITY
Gender is the relationship between men and women and is determined by society
Gender equality between men and women implies equal rights, opportunities and responsibilities
Also equality is given the same treatment to everyone and equity is giving everyone what to make them successful
Gender mainstreaming basically talks about both men and women having equal access to and control over resources and decision making
We took a look at conflicts and some causes and that some causes of conflicts are poverty, human rights violation and the unequal access to resources like health care, water, electricity
And also women could resolve conflicts by being good role models and mediators.
Lectures were given by Dr Fiifi Edu-Afful and Dr Emma Binkorang
Day 2: WOMEN PEACE AND SECURITY AGENDA
The various resolutions formed to resolve conflicts and to protect women against physical, sexual and psychological violence’s in the homes communities and the nation as a whole.
And to protect women was the Resolution 1325 passed in October 2000 to encourage women to participate in decision making and to protect women and girls during crisis since women always find themselves wanting during national crisis
Also to prevent women from being subjected to violent acts like harassment, rape both at home and in the country
Leadership and Governance
Leadership is the act of leading a group of people or an organization and a leader should be able to think into the future, have confidence and be able to command
Also leadership starts with self, the ability to be able to take good decisions for yourself makes you a leader
Governance is the process of decision making and implementation at all levels of society
And also the way you present yourself tells who you are.
Lectures given by Ms Joana Osei-Tutu and Prof. Kweku Osei-Hwedie
Day 3: WOMENS ROLE IN PEACE PROCESSES IN AFRICA-CHALLENGES AND CONTRIBUTIONS.
Conflict dynamics help individuals and teams understand how to respond to conflicts and what can escalate conflict and how to manage conflict more effectively
Peace is when people are able to resolve their conflicts without violence and can work together to improve the quality of their lives. This means:
Power inclusive; involves allowing women to participate in decision making and accountability.
Fairness; equity and justice and equality before the law.
Safety; living in the society without threat of violence.
Income and assets; opportunities to want without exclusion based on gender, identity, ethnicity or religion.
Lectures given by Prof. Kwesi Aning and Ms. Afua Lamptey
DAY 4: SEXUAL AND GENDER BASED VIOLENCE
Sexual violence is any act, attempt or threat of sexual nature that result, or is likely to result in physical, psychological and emotional harm.
Sexual Exploitation is any actual or attempted abuse of a position of a vulnerability, differential power or trust for sexual purposes including but not limited to profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.
Sexual Abuse is the actual or threatened physical intrusion of sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
Some causes of sexual gender based violence include;
Physical and mental disability.
Loss of security.
Alcohol and drug abuse.
Disrupted roles within family and community.
Dependence.
Ignorance or lack of knowledge of individual.
Religious beliefs.
And also lessons were given on how to collect information and data analysis which is a great deal when it comes to our work. The correct way to collect information without leaving out the important questions and store information for future reference and how to relate and react towards people we need information from.
Lectures given by: Dr. Fiifi Edu-Afful and Dr. Naila Salihu
DAY 5: Scenario based exercise.
Where we showed ways in which we can apply these things in our various fields of work and then went through an evaluation exercise. We received our certificates which was given by the chairman of the KAIPTC and had our closing ceremony.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I believe such courses on gender and equality for women capacity building should be conducted more often because there are over thousands of women who lack knowledge about their rights and are often violated in different ways and therefore will find such courses quite useful.
MOTIVATION:
Also this course has empowered me (Mummidot Arko-Cobbah – YLF Sec.) to be able to stand firm and proud and now can take decisions for myself that I know are helpful for me without any pressure or fear.
It has also enabled me to be able to say NO to any unfavorable and unjust behaviors towards me since I know there are laws protecting me.
Also I know I hold the power to be able to help other women going through unjust treatments and various forms of abuses.
On the 4th_ 9th of July YLF staff participated in a certificate course in Gender Peace and Security organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center – KAIPTC. The course was focused on capacity building for women only.
Day 1: CONCEPT OF GENDER PEACE AND SECURITY
Gender is the relationship between men and women and is determined by society
Gender equality between men and women implies equal rights, opportunities and responsibilities
Also equality is given the same treatment to everyone and equity is giving everyone what to make them successful
Gender mainstreaming basically talks about both men and women having equal access to and control over resources and decision making
We took a look at conflicts and some causes and that some causes of conflicts are poverty, human rights violation and the unequal access to resources like health care, water, electricity
And also women could resolve conflicts by being good role models and mediators.
Lectures were given by Dr Fiifi Edu-Afful and Dr Emma Binkorang
Day 2: WOMEN PEACE AND SECURITY AGENDA
The various resolutions formed to resolve conflicts and to protect women against physical, sexual and psychological violence’s in the homes communities and the nation as a whole.
And to protect women was the Resolution 1325 passed in October 2000 to encourage women to participate in decision making and to protect women and girls during crisis since women always find themselves wanting during national crisis
Also to prevent women from being subjected to violent acts like harassment, rape both at home and in the country
Leadership and Governance
Leadership is the act of leading a group of people or an organization and a leader should be able to think into the future, have confidence and be able to command
Also leadership starts with self, the ability to be able to take good decisions for yourself makes you a leader
Governance is the process of decision making and implementation at all levels of society
And also the way you present yourself tells who you are.
Lectures given by Ms Joana Osei-Tutu and Prof. Kweku Osei-Hwedie
Day 3: WOMENS ROLE IN PEACE PROCESSES IN AFRICA-CHALLENGES AND CONTRIBUTIONS.
Conflict dynamics help individuals and teams understand how to respond to conflicts and what can escalate conflict and how to manage conflict more effectively
Peace is when people are able to resolve their conflicts without violence and can work together to improve the quality of their lives. This means:
Power inclusive; involves allowing women to participate in decision making and accountability.
Fairness; equity and justice and equality before the law.
Safety; living in the society without threat of violence.
Income and assets; opportunities to want without exclusion based on gender, identity, ethnicity or religion.
Lectures given by Prof. Kwesi Aning and Ms. Afua Lamptey
DAY 4: SEXUAL AND GENDER BASED VIOLENCE
Sexual violence is any act, attempt or threat of sexual nature that result, or is likely to result in physical, psychological and emotional harm.
Sexual Exploitation is any actual or attempted abuse of a position of a vulnerability, differential power or trust for sexual purposes including but not limited to profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.
Sexual Abuse is the actual or threatened physical intrusion of sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
Some causes of sexual gender based violence include;
Physical and mental disability.
Loss of security.
Alcohol and drug abuse.
Disrupted roles within family and community.
Dependence.
Ignorance or lack of knowledge of individual.
Religious beliefs.
And also lessons were given on how to collect information and data analysis which is a great deal when it comes to our work. The correct way to collect information without leaving out the important questions and store information for future reference and how to relate and react towards people we need information from.
Lectures given by: Dr. Fiifi Edu-Afful and Dr. Naila Salihu
DAY 5: Scenario based exercise.
Where we showed ways in which we can apply these things in our various fields of work and then went through an evaluation exercise. We received our certificates which was given by the chairman of the KAIPTC and had our closing ceremony.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I believe such courses on gender and equality for women capacity building should be conducted more often because there are over thousands of women who lack knowledge about their rights and are often violated in different ways and therefore will find such courses quite useful.
MOTIVATION:
Also this course has empowered me (Mummidot Arko-Cobbah – YLF Sec.) to be able to stand firm and proud and now can take decisions for myself that I know are helpful for me without any pressure or fear.
It has also enabled me to be able to say NO to any unfavorable and unjust behaviors towards me since I know there are laws protecting me.
Also I know I hold the power to be able to help other women going through unjust treatments and various forms of abuses.
The Agona West Social Audit Committee (SAC) after successfully collaborating with the Assembly to improve sanitation situation in the municipality especially Swedru, the municipal capital, is poised to continue for the next three years after COVID-19 truncated the activities of the committee. And funded by GIZ German cooperations, and the ministry of local government and rural development.
Currently, six Districts and it's SAC committee members are undergoing a four day (29th August and 3rd September 2021 respectively) refresher training and capacity building on Project and Contract Auditing at Abokobi in Accra. The SAC is made up of a Focal person from the assembly, traditional ruler, a media (journalist), citizens group ( Rep for Muslim community) and a CSO representative-YLF.
We also visited a project site for practicals accessment and a case study on an ongoing construction.
SAC Members Agona West Municipal Assembly:
1. Gilbert Kofi Germain - CSO-NGO, YLF. 0243132443
2. Martin Twumasi- AWMA focal person Int. Auditor. 0548762228
3. Nana Kweku Essieni V. - Ninfahen for traditional council. 0208322821
4. Azumah Gertrude - Media, News Editor. 0545324435
5. Abubakar Al-Hassan Adams - Opinion Leader Muslim’s communities. 0209383377
Currently, six Districts and it's SAC committee members are undergoing a four day (29th August and 3rd September 2021 respectively) refresher training and capacity building on Project and Contract Auditing at Abokobi in Accra. The SAC is made up of a Focal person from the assembly, traditional ruler, a media (journalist), citizens group ( Rep for Muslim community) and a CSO representative-YLF.
We also visited a project site for practicals accessment and a case study on an ongoing construction.
SAC Members Agona West Municipal Assembly:
1. Gilbert Kofi Germain - CSO-NGO, YLF. 0243132443
2. Martin Twumasi- AWMA focal person Int. Auditor. 0548762228
3. Nana Kweku Essieni V. - Ninfahen for traditional council. 0208322821
4. Azumah Gertrude - Media, News Editor. 0545324435
5. Abubakar Al-Hassan Adams - Opinion Leader Muslim’s communities. 0209383377
YLF success story on our quadruplets
In the year 2015 we chanced upon quadruplets in the Agona Swedru government hospital and now we are glad to say that they are living the normal life with their parents, their dad has a small shop as a welder which he's been using to manage the home little by little.Also the children are now in school and in kingdergarten due to health challenges they werent enrolled in school early. The girl is fit but the third born is physically challenged and so his growth is quite slow and the other two have problem with their legs.
So far YLF and SEND-GHANA have been doing their best supporting this family. We call on any persons interested in helping them to come forward since they could use all the help they could get.
In the year 2015 we chanced upon quadruplets in the Agona Swedru government hospital and now we are glad to say that they are living the normal life with their parents, their dad has a small shop as a welder which he's been using to manage the home little by little.Also the children are now in school and in kingdergarten due to health challenges they werent enrolled in school early. The girl is fit but the third born is physically challenged and so his growth is quite slow and the other two have problem with their legs.
So far YLF and SEND-GHANA have been doing their best supporting this family. We call on any persons interested in helping them to come forward since they could use all the help they could get.
YLF success story on our quadruplets
In the year 2015 we chanced upon quadruplets in the Agona Swedru government hospital and now we are glad to say that they are living the normal life with their parents, their dad has a small shop as a welder which he's been using to manage the home little by little.Also the children are now in school and in kingdergarten due to health challenges they werent enrolled in school early. The girl is fit but the third born is physically challenged and so his growth is quite slow and the other two have problem with their legs.
So far YLF and SEND-GHANA have been doing their best supporting this family. We call on any persons interested in helping them to come forward since they could use all the help they could get.
In the year 2015 we chanced upon quadruplets in the Agona Swedru government hospital and now we are glad to say that they are living the normal life with their parents, their dad has a small shop as a welder which he's been using to manage the home little by little.Also the children are now in school and in kingdergarten due to health challenges they werent enrolled in school early. The girl is fit but the third born is physically challenged and so his growth is quite slow and the other two have problem with their legs.
So far YLF and SEND-GHANA have been doing their best supporting this family. We call on any persons interested in helping them to come forward since they could use all the help they could get.
Launching! Launching!! Launching!!!
The SHE Leads project is a five-year (2021-2025) partnership programme led by Plan international, Netherlands Of international and local bodies. (The launch was held in the central region of Ghana on the 8th July 2021). The strategic objective of the project is to bring together institutions, organisations, and GYW-led groups to increase the sustained influence of Girls and Young women (GYW) on decision-making and their contributions to the development and transformation of gender norms in the society.
The launch and initiation of the programme will be run in partnership with the Women Aspire Network as a network member and project representative in charge of the central region of Ghana.
Other valued expected persons and main speakers who were present at the programme were: Chiefs/Queen mothers, Municipal Chief Executive, Representatives of Department of Gender, Ministry of Education, Religious leaders, Focused groups, Girls and Young women-led organisations, Community leaders and members, Student leaders (girls and boys), Media and the Civil society organisations representative (YLF).
The SHE Leads project is a five-year (2021-2025) partnership programme led by Plan international, Netherlands Of international and local bodies. (The launch was held in the central region of Ghana on the 8th July 2021). The strategic objective of the project is to bring together institutions, organisations, and GYW-led groups to increase the sustained influence of Girls and Young women (GYW) on decision-making and their contributions to the development and transformation of gender norms in the society.
The launch and initiation of the programme will be run in partnership with the Women Aspire Network as a network member and project representative in charge of the central region of Ghana.
Other valued expected persons and main speakers who were present at the programme were: Chiefs/Queen mothers, Municipal Chief Executive, Representatives of Department of Gender, Ministry of Education, Religious leaders, Focused groups, Girls and Young women-led organisations, Community leaders and members, Student leaders (girls and boys), Media and the Civil society organisations representative (YLF).