The launch of the “Ho Youth Well-being Index 2023” marks a significant step forward in understanding the multifaceted digital and vocational shortage challenges facing young individuals in the Ho Municipality.
Conducted by the Young and Safe Project, this extensive study provides a revealing snapshot of the lives of those aged 13-25 within the region, encompassing critical areas such as health, education, economic status, safety, and civic engagement.
Among the report’s most concerning findings is the pronounced deficiency in vocational and digital literacy skills among the youth—a critical gap given today’s digitally driven and skill-oriented job market.
With vocational and digital literacy scores alarmingly low at 32% and 30% respectively, the report flags a potential crisis in employability and job prospects for young people in Ho.
This glaring gap underscores a dire need for strategic interventions aimed at equipping the youth with the necessary skills to navigate and thrive in the modern workforce.
Furthermore, the report highlights a disconcerting disengagement of the youth from local governance and civic activities.
With only a fraction of young people participating in town hall meetings and an even smaller representation in local assembly positions, it is clear that the voices of the young are largely absent from the local governance and decision-making processes.
This gap in civic engagement is coupled with a noted lack of accessible and well-maintained public spaces for recreation and leisure, further limiting the quality of life and community involvement among the youth.
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Despite these challenges, the report does note a silver lining in the form of a relatively favorable health outlook among the young population in Ho, with a positive health score reflecting a relatively good state of physical and mental well-being.
This aspect of youth well-being offers a foundation upon which other areas of concern can be addressed.
The “Ho Youth Well-being Index 2023” is not just a catalog of challenges; it is a call to action for civil society, governmental bodies, and organizations within and beyond Ho Municipality.
By highlighting specific areas of need, such as enhancing vocational and digital literacy, fostering greater civic engagement, and improving public recreational spaces, the report outlines a clear roadmap for targeted interventions.
These efforts are crucial for empowering the youth of Ho, enabling them to fulfill their potential and contribute meaningfully to their community and the broader society.
As this report circulates among stakeholders, including the consortium of Node Eight Foundation, Love Aid Foundation, Ho Municipal Assembly, and the Ghana Education Service, along with the backing of Fondation Botnar and management by Ecorys Ltd., it is hoped that concerted efforts will be mobilized to transform these insights into actionable strategies.
By doing so, we can collectively work towards building a brighter, more inclusive future for the youth of Ho, where every young person has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
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