Volta Premier Fm
BY: Lambert Coffie
A recent report exploring the experiences of young people in Ho, the capital of the Volta Region, has highlighted a concerning lack of digital skills among the youth, despite their widespread access to digital tools and the internet.
The report, titled the ‘Ho Youth Well-being Index 2023’, focused on individuals aged 13 to 23 and assessed five key areas: Community and Civic Participation, Economic Opportunity, Education, Health, and Safety and Equity.
Within the education dimension, it was found that while 89 percent of young people surveyed had access to digital devices like laptops and smartphones, only 32 percent had received formal training in digital skills.
Mr. Humphrey Thompson, Research Consultant for the Youth Well-being Index 2023, emphasised the importance of the report for shaping policies and development initiatives.
He highlighted the need to focus on improving digital literacy among youth to help them succeed in today’s digital age.With an overall score of 57.0%, categorised as “Average”, the report identified areas for improvement in various aspects of youth well-being.
The index was developed through collaboration between the Node Eight Foundation, Love Aid Foundation, Ho Municipal Assembly, and Ghana Education Service as part of the Young and Safe Project, the Healthy Cities for Adolescent Program – II, supported by Fondation Botnar and managed by Ecorys Ltd.
The project aimed to transform Ho into a youth-friendly city over three years, according to the Project Manager, Mr. Courage Asase. He indicated that, initiatives such as constructing a world-class park, identified as a need in the report, are planned to enhance recreational opportunities for young people.
Mr. Brian Dzidefo Dzansi, CEO/Co-founder of Node Eight, expressed optimism about the report’s potential to monitor efforts to support young people and track their progress.
Miss Princess Lovia Tetteh, CEO of Love Aid Foundation, emphasized the importance of continued support for youth participation, economic opportunities, education, healthcare, and safe spaces.
Dr. (Mrs) Esther Adzo-Adzimah Yeboah, the Ho Municipal Director of Education, commended the partners for their efforts to promote the holistic well-being of young people in the Municipality.
Various stakeholders present at the report’s launch praised the consortium for its thorough work and called for widespread dissemination of the report’s findings to all relevant parties involved in youth development.
Download full report here: https://nodeeight.org/youth-well-being-index/
