Empowering Youth Through Education and Economic Independence
In the heart of Kumasi, a city bustling with activity and opportunity, Proactif Global is making a significant impact on the lives of young people. This civil society organization is dedicated to youth empowerment and reproductive health education, focusing on equipping young individuals with practical skills that are transforming their lives and reshaping their futures.
The primary goal of Proactif Global is to reduce the vulnerability of young people, especially girls, to HIV/AIDS and other sexual and reproductive health risks. Through its flagship initiative, the Skills Acquisition Programme (SAP), the organization has trained hundreds of young people in various vocations, including the production of local drinks, pastries, and batik tie and dye. These programs not only provide essential skills but also foster economic independence.
Upon completing the SAP, participants receive support to start their own small-scale businesses. This intervention aims to reduce reliance on transactional sex as a means of survival. More than just vocational training, the SAP includes vital lessons in business development, customer service, and demand creation. These modules empower participants, who are predominantly economically disadvantaged young women, to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape with confidence and resilience.
Mr. Nathaniel Oduro, the Executive Director of Proactif Global, explained that the program was born out of direct engagement with young girls who confessed to engaging in multiple sexual relationships due to financial hardship. “Many of them told us that without any means of income, they felt compelled to depend on men for basic needs,” he recounted. The realization that poverty and economic dependency were root causes of HIV transmission and other sexual health risks led to the creation of the SAP.
The SAP goes beyond skill acquisition by creating a safe and engaging space for critical conversations around sexual and reproductive health, HIV/AIDS awareness, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). These discussions, integrated into the training, equip participants with knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their health and relationships.
The impact of the initiative is already visible, with several young women not only running thriving small businesses but also serving as peer educators and role models within their communities. However, the work of Proactif Global cannot thrive in isolation. There is an urgent need for concerted efforts from government agencies, development partners, and private sector actors to support such grassroots interventions.
Proactif Global is implementing this life-changing program from its own resources free of charge to beneficiaries and requires support from corporate bodies and individuals committed to youth empowerment. Investing in young girls, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, is a direct investment in public health, national development, and the fight against gender-based violence and HIV/AIDS.
Stakeholders must prioritize funding, mentorship, and policy support for youth-led and community-based organizations like Proactif Global, which are working tirelessly to create sustainable change from the ground up. As the world continues to seek effective strategies in the fight against HIV/AIDS, the empowerment of young women through education and economic independence must remain at the forefront.
Proactif Global’s model offers a blueprint worth scaling, not only in Ghana but across other countries facing similar challenges. By addressing the root causes of vulnerability, such as poverty and lack of economic opportunities, the organization is paving the way for a healthier, more empowered future for young people.