MEET OUR VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH OF JANUARY!!!!

NAME: Angelbert Wamambo
AGE: 22
HOBBIES: Reading, Chess, Tennis, Travelling, networking with African youth
PROFESSION: Statistician
COUNTRY: Zimbabwe
ROLE IN IHAV: Volunteer (Business Development and Research)

BRIEF SUMMARY
I am a doer! A vibrant youth who addresses problems by asking the question “why not”, and then attempts to answer it with a personal creed: that when we dare to believe our vision is possible, and dare to act on this belief, extra ordinary changes can take place. I always encourage people to start where they are with what they have.

I love mathematics and believe numbers keep the world sane. Currently I am studying towards a Bachelor of Science honours degree in Operations Research and Statistics with the National University of Science and Technology. As a volunteer I have worked with Bulawayo Youth Empowerment Trust (BYET) as Special Project’s Coordinator, Rotaract Club, and National University of Science and Technology Students In Free Enterprise (NUST SIFE). With the help of friends, we are in the process of starting up a youth-led Christian organization called The Faith Avenue Zimbabwe (TFAZ) which seeks to empower youth to Godly leadership through community engagement. I practice my religion according to James 1:27 in the bible, and believe it is everyone’s right to look after widows and orphans. 

Africa being the youngest continent, I strongly believe its youth are key assets of any community and particularly valuable players in the socio-economic development of the country. I also agree with (McNutty, 2005) who points out that youth are in a unique place in life, as they are developing their decision making skills, continuing to learn, entering the labour force, cultivating character and a healthy lifestyle, and learning to exercise their leadership. It’s a blessing to volunteer at IHAV as we share the same vision.
Currently I am an intern at Industrial Psychology Consultants where I am doing what I love; crunching numbers

PIECES FOR PEACE

IHAV Foundation, an NGO that seeks to inspire and challenge youth across Africa to envision change and ACT on it, has donated several items to orphanages in the Greater
Accra region, Ghana. The donation worth over Gh₵ 5000.00 was to five orphanages in Tema and Accra, which included food items and clothing. Beneficiaries of this donation included Teshie Orphanage, The Lords Arm Orphanage, Save the Young Mission International, Remar Ghana and StreetWise Orphanage.

As a part of its internal campaign to support youth development through capacity building, the President of the organization, Ms Christabel Ofori, stated that the Pieces For Peace idea was initiated to get upcoming fashion designers and fashion houses to exhibit their works by sewing African prints for the kids. She mentioned that spending time with these orphanages and donating the items to them was to make them know that youthful organizations such as IHAV cared for children in these orphanages and wanted them to feel loved. In her words most people think of used clothes whenever donations comes to mind but IHAV Foundation thought about giving each child two new clothes designed to fit them.

In collaboration with Dress-A-Kid, IHAV foundation gathered pieces of fabric from individuals across the country and gave them out to be sewn for the various orphanages after gathering information on sizes of children in these orphanages.

On the day there was a bus to pick people that were willing to join the group make the donation at various pick up points both in Accra and in Tema.

The first orphanage the group visited was the Teshie Orphanage, where the group was briefed on how the orphanage was formed. Though old and not very well, the joy on the founder’s face when the group showed up to make the donation couldn’t be hidden. Everyone that went with the group dressed at least one child with the exception of those that have reached the adolescent age and were shy to dress in front of the group.

The next stop was to The Lords Arm Orphanage also in Teshie and indeed the good Lord had stretched His Arm upon them. Pieces For Peace had just come at a right time for them, because to them it was to climax the wonderful start to the year they have had. An NGO in the United States of America had just been kind enough to relocate the orphanage from its ‘land dispute’ location so the new clothing was a sign of a new start and new life for the kids.

The reception in Tema was amazing as the group reached the third orphanage Save them Young Mission International. The kids were happy to see the group and pleased with the drinks, toffees and other goodies. The team spent time with the kids dressing them up and taking pictures; it was all joy and merry making.

At Tema Remar Rehabilitation Center, which was the team’s fourth stop for the day, only about 15 boys were present as most of them had gone for an eye check up. They were clothed in the shirts, and given some goodies whilst the team was briefed on the centers activities.

Finally IHAV hit the road with destination Chorkor in mind, to visit SteetWise Orphanage. The team looked exhausted at this stage but was determined to finish on the high after a long day. Most of the people in the bus had never been to Chorkor and were curious to see the place. The facilities there were amazing, especially with a beautiful beach view and a well stuffed library. The head of the Orphanage took as round the place and told us the plans He had for the Orphanage but lacked monetary support especially from the Social Welfare.

Certain things cut across in all the Orphanages visited, and these are:

·         Not much support from the Social Welfare

·         Lack of donations from individuals and organizations

·         Lack of infrastructure

·         Inadequate volunteers and teachers

PIECES FOR PEACE

In line with our goal, we are organizing as part of our social responsibilities, a charity event dubbed Pieces for Peace. ‘Pieces for Peace’ involves designing and sewing pieces of cloth and fabrics together for orphans. It will be a collection of African designs, prints, arts and fabrics brewed to make lovely wears for orphans in Ghana.

ORPHANAGES

1. 1, Rhema Orphanage (Tema)
2.  2, Arm Of God Orphanage (Teshie)
3.  3, Teshie Orphanage 
4. 4 ,Save them young Orphanage (Tema) 
5. 5, Jay Nii Streetwise Foundation(Chorkor) 

The clothes would be presented to the orphans on Saturday, 25^th January 2014.

 We would be achieving two things; showcasing incredible African prints and fabrics, and giving back to the community by putting smiles on children’s faces. This event will have massive media coverage and highlights and all will be acknowledged accordingly.

 If you would like additional information, or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call +233 243650790 / +233 244848719 or email ihavafrica@gmail.com. You may also visit our page at http://www.facebook.com/Pieces4P

OUR NEW EXECUTIVES

Inspiring and Challenging youth across Africa to envision change and put it to ACTion…

It is with pleasure that we announce the Executives/Directors of IHAV Foundation for the years 2013-2015.

Join us congratulate them and wish them success in their roles:

1. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/PRESIDENT - CHRISTABEL OFORI

2. VICE PRESIDENT (INTERNAL AFFAIRS) - BEKIMPILO NDLOVU

3. VICE PRESIDENT (EXTERNAL AFFAIRS) - CHRISTOPHER CHAKWANA

4. DIRECTOR OF I.T - TONY ASAMOAH-BOADU

5. DIRECTOR OF HR AND RECRUITMENT (INTERNAL) - SHEILA ABOAGYE

6. DIRECTOR OF HR AND RECRUITMENT (EXTERNAL) - SELASE AKABUO

7. DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIP AND SPONSORSHIP - PORTIA OPPONG    BAFFOUR

8. DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS - MIMI KORANTENG

9. DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS AND EVENT COORDINATION - STEVE    KUBATE SALIFU

10. COUNTRY DIRECTORS 

• GHANA - SAMUEL DARKO
• ZIMBABWE - GARY WILSON BINHA
• KENYA-DAVID THUO
• TANZANIA - FREDRICK PAUL MAZIKU
• NIGERIA-OLUMIDE IDOWU

Applications are still open for country directors and university representatives, as well as members to support the directors in the various committees.

Dont be left out. Send us a mail on ihavafrica@gmail.com and join us as we seek to inspire and challenge youth across Africa to envision change and ACT on it.

IHAV will attempt to reduce youth unemployment and improve quality of life in our communities and countries by cross-partnerships, healthy collaborations, increased social entrepreneurship and creativity. 

AFRICA THE UNSUNG

Instead of celebrating our myriad successes

They ignore or silently mention, most often in passing

And rather show us how poverty stricken we are

What war mongers and nation wreckers we have become

How backward and sinister we are, how dependent on them we are

Is some far off power scared? That a new Philip Emeagwali is emerging?

That we are going to produce new Fred Swanikers and Peter Awuahs

Or more Kwame Nkrumahs and Nelson Mandelas

How about more Chinua Achebes and Ngungi wa Thiong’os

Have you thought of additional Kofi Annans and Desmond Tutus?

The Aliko Dangotes and Prince Kofi Amoabengs

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichies and Fatau Bensoudas

It is emerging right here at the inspiration of IHAV.

iHAVE A DREAM, ACT ON IT 

By Michael Dale-Asiedu (Ghana) 
2013 iHav Conference Participant

photo credits : Gcina Mhlophe (South Africa)

HOW YOUTHS CAN USE ICT TO SUPPORT AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT?

I observe as a lot of young people today make use of ICT tools and applications in their day to day activities. The question that comes to mind for me as an agriculturist is how this can be used to improve agriculture. It is no news that many young people only see white-collar jobs as being prestigious. But then, agriculture can provide decent and gainful work too, especially when ICTs are applied to add value to the business. Young farmers are able to master ICT skills and tools, such as geographic information systems (GIS), to analyze and adjust farming practices to cope with prevailing climatic conditions, and ultimately increase profits. They also use technology to creatively and productively manage land, weather, water and other resources, develop maps of these resources and use the feedback from mapping exercises to profile and upgrade specific sites by identifying appropriate measures for planting, stocking materials and providing pest control facilities.

Young people make up a large percentage of the population in most societies. They are talented, enthusiastic and prepared to embrace existing and upcoming technologies, which is critical for boosting agriculture in particular and rural development in general. Most young people are based in urban areas, where there is high unemployment. Virtually any programme that taps into their talents, skills and abilities to introduce technologies to rural areas would be a worthwhile engagement. Contributing to the development of their communities, in turn, increases their self-esteem, and helps them to become more inspired and motivated.

The communities also benefit from the activities of the Youths through applying ICT to agriculture their efforts revitalize the food and nutrition sector, which enhances food security in more households. Their involvement in climate change adaptation boosts other aspects of environmental protection, and promotes the development.

Even at that there are challenges and some of them includes

1. Supply of energy
2. Lack of the technical know how
3. Non implementation of policies relating to youth issues by government and other service provider.
4. Lack of proper sensitization

However like any other challenge there are solutions and some of them are;

1. Youths can organize themselves into a coherent voice to lobby government, private sector and civil society.
2. Government and other concern bodies should make available accessible training programs for the youths.
3. Youths should make effort to get trained in one or two areas of ICT as it relates to agriculture.
4. Be ready to share ideas with others to encourage the use of ICT4AG
5. More research work should be done to provide alternative source of power. For instance in UGANDA a youth organization was able to come up with solar charged mobile phones for getting information to the farmers

Having said these here are a list of areas young people can tap into in providing ICT services or products to help the Africa’s agricultural sector develop to its peak;

1. The development of mobile application (apps). A mobile app is a small program that can be installed and run on a cell phone, or on a web. This could serve different purposes such as monitoring supply chains, checking meteorological data, current prices, giving agricultural advise and so on
2. Create an online presence to tackle agricultural challenges, issues and update about opportunities by opening a blog page. A blog is easy to set up and maintain. It also has Social sharing features.
3. Providing online services for farmers. Offer to help farmers with managing their ICT matters (websites, online presence, SMS, proposals etc).
4. GIS services for both new and old farmers. This aids visibility studies for agricultural development projects. It also helps farmers to have information before hand what their yields would look like.
5. Information dissemination through the social media. Don’t spend all the time chatting away on 2go, face book, twitter and the likes. Provide current and viable information for farmers and others in the agric sector. This requires lot of research but the joy of it is helping to add value to the lives of others

The world of agriculture is very vast and every youth can have a share by positioning their self in one segment or the other.

 

By OJO Olawale (Nigeria)

THE OVERSEAS’ DREAM

Nearly half of Ghana’s educated citizens live abroad while one in three skilled Angolans resides outside that country. Of the ten countries with the highest percentage of educated citizens living abroad, six are in sub-Saharan Africa, where many governments subsidize higher education.

With this little worrying statistics about how our skilled men leave their respective sub-Saharan countries, optimistic and well-meaning Ladies and Gentlemen of the first ever edition of iHAV join me as we ride on in discussion. Putting the African continent in perspective, i would like to inquire when truly the days of going overseas will be over.

I was challenged by a good friend that such living questions better not be asked as this exodus is not going to end anytime soon. And he had the guts to substantiate his stance with mind-blowing statistics. This is what he said: the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has estimated that Africa has lost a third of its human capital and continues to loose skilled personnel at an alarming rate. IOM and the Economic Commission for Africa gathered statistics showing that between 1960, when 17 African countries became independent and 1974 when most had achieved independence, an average of 1800 skilled Africans left their homelands for developed nations. Between 1975 and 1984, the rate had jumped to 4000 a year. Between 1985 and 1989, 12000 skilled Africans each year left for what they thought were greener pastures and since 1990, the rate has skyrocketed to 20000 annual African migration and brain drain. After his defense, all i could mutter was greener pastures indeed!

Then i was swift in replying that non-Africans also are in the same category, thus they also migrate and ply their trades on African soil. I later realized that it’s not the same whichever way i looked at it. They are developed or closer to development and as such if we go there we only help them develop faster alluring to the fact that the best leave for the west. Ravinder Rena of the Eritrean Institute of Technology puts it nicely that it will be impossible to achieve an African renaissance without the contributions of talented Africans residing outside Africa. Subsequently, a lack of skilled local labor means that the continent spends roughly $4billion a year to hire foreign skilled workers according to IOM. Yet again Joan Dassin of the Ford Foundation tells Voice of America that if you don’t have qualified people on the ground with strong local roots to carry out development projects, it’s not likely they will move forward in a sustainable way. This assertion is very true because we and only we know and understand our problems better save parochialism. You can therefore solve it better if you know and understand it better. The frequent dishing out of foreign aids to Africa will do no magic neither will the expatriates conjure any miracles whatsoever. It is that simple, there has been no country which has reached developmental pinnacle based on foreign aid and expatriates. The solutions thereby reside rightly within the African continent.

Maybe you have not really seen the adverse repercussions of brain drain, may be you will gladly leave if a ship docks at your port advertising free transportation to Europe. Maybe you are planning to sell your last property to secure a visa, but please hold on a little while; the days of going overseas are over. You see few blacks who have made it on TV doesn’t mean it is all rosy over there. There are many blacks who are stranded and can’t even afford a ticket back home whilst countless many have dreaded their decisions of leaving abroad. We have cattle and bees in Africa yet we seek for milk and honey outside. The climate is favorable here yet we seek for greener pastures outside. Not surprising right! Consider the patient to doctor ratio in Africa, what about the pupil to teacher ratio, currently Ghana has about 10000 nurses far lesser than the required national number of 40000.

If indeed we hold these truths to be self-evident, then why at all do we ply our trades elsewhere when we are more needed home. I once again reiterate that the days of going overseas are over, mother Africa deserves better. This is our continent, our Africa, Living a century long overseas doesn’t genetically change your roots. Folks make it work. Graduates applying for foreign scholarships all over the internet with the motive of leaving never to return again must cease. Young people do something worthwhile home. You have more than enough brains to awaken your entrepreneurial conscience. Our outlook about how we perceive people who have travelled outside must change. Long queues for visas must cease, constant rush for American lottery must reduce. We can make it here in our home continent. Remember Barack Obama pluralized his “yes we can” spirit from the word “African”. The last three letters translated into words read “i can”. There is therefore no reason whatsoever why we can’t.

One will argue that remittances sent home by our relatives abroad go a long way in reducing poverty. Whilst i don’t dispute that assertion, chronological analysis will attest that the mere fact of you making it there literally means you can make it here too. The only difference might be in the value and currency appreciation but that notwithstanding, you will have the joy and satisfaction of having contributed your utmost quota in making mama Africa develop.

This article would be incomplete without extending a note of appreciation to the Neil Turok of Cambridge University who run a science and technology postgraduate programme in South Africa that hopes to be expanded to fifteen African countries since this will entice more graduates to stay. Another new programme the African Leadership Academy which i am proud to have participated in their maiden finalist weekend at Tema SOS will waive tuition for most of its students but if they are not working in Africa by the time they turn twenty five, they will owe the school tuition fees plus interest. Again, the IHAV Initiative is very commendable and let’s feel at home as we enjoy a fruitful conference. Let’s live the African dream “For we are strangers before them, and sojourners, as were all our fathers.1 Chronicles 29:15’

BY MICHAEL DALE-ASIEDU (GHANA)