Young
people need platforms where they can speak out on issues affecting them such as
youth unemployment, teenage pregnancies, sex for grades, menstrual hygiene management,
among others.
During
the Student Representative Council (SRC) Week celebration at the Ghana
Institute of Journalism, over 1,000 students U-Reporters were recruited to
partake in polls and voice out their concerns as well.
Empowering young people to speak out energizes
them to partake in solution driven initiatives in their communities and demand
accountability from leaders as well. Through responses provided by these young
reporters, policies are changed, initiatives are taken, and the gaps between
young people and policy makers are bridged.
Pamela Borti, 23, a student of GIJ signed up to
be a U-Reporter. She remarked, “we young people have lots of issues especially,
the rise of unemployment rate in Ghana, and we’re glad the results will be shared
with government to take action”. Students were happy that U-Reporters could
create communities and help solve a societal issue.
Young people now understand that not only does
the future belong to them, but the present as well. Their participation in decision
making and policy implementation is relevant and creates a sense of
belongingness.
“Through U-Report, I’ve gained knowledge on the
number of SDGs and the 169 targets that needs to be met. Initially, I thought
it was the responsibility of the government. But I know that it’s my responsibility
too” _ says Jessie Ola Morris, another student.
