A Nigerian's perspective of the 2013 IHAV Conference

First Name:      Samuel

Last Name:        Kalu

Country:             Nigeria

University:      Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike-Nigeria

1.      How did you get to hear about IHAV Foundation?

I got the information as a mail from the Country Representative of YPARD, Nigeria.

2.      What motivated you to participate in the 2013 July conference?

I love change and had a passion for entrepreneurship in Agriculture. I came to the conference to contribute and share ideas with other youths across Africa.

3.      Briefly explain how you benefited from the experience during the 2013 July conference

The IHAV conference has indeed opened way for greater opportunities for me, I am currently enrolled in an online International Post harvest training so that I can be better positioned to handle our group project of reducing post-harvest losses with ICT tools in Africa, an opportunity I won’t have gotten were it not for the conference.

4.      Have you followed up with your team mates to see that your project is done and how have you managed that.

I have been able to follow up my team mates to further discuss our project via social networks.

5.      Given a second chance would you like to participate in the upcoming conference.

Yes

6.      What did you like most about the conference

The networking and the field trip was awesome!

7.      What would you tell those anticipating to apply for the 2014 conference.

It’s a way to meet wonderful visionaries across Africa as well as collaborate to achieve a common goal, by all means Apply!

IHAV 2013 conference a life changing experience!

First Name(s)   ISSABELLA ESI

Last Name       DENNIS

Country           GHANA

University        UNIVERSITY OF CAPECOAST, GHANA

1.    How did you get to hear about IHAV Foundation?

 I saw the ad in a friend’s profile.

2.    What motivated you to participate in the 2013 July conference?

I was motivated by the fact that the conference was organized by people just like me. (The youth)

3.    Briefly explain how you benefited from the experience during the 2013 July conference

Explaining my benefit briefly is not fair; because I have too much to say. This conference in-stilled in me the “I can do” spirit. I left the conference knowing that I cannot wait for one more second to go by without thinking about a realistic vision and also putting effort in my visions. After doing critical analysis, I took a bold step of putting my vision into an action and today I can boldly say that though I am an employee for someone, I have also become an employer to others, still being a youth.

4.     Have you followed up with your team mates to see that your project is done and how have you managed that

Unfortunately that has not gone well; initially we formed a chat group to help us communicate more, since not all members were in Ghana. However, nothing came of it; we know is not too late to put an action into our vision.

5.    Given a second chance would you like to participate in the upcoming conference

A big Yes

6.    What did you like most about the conference?

I like that I was not dictated to or given long speeches. I was involved and made to think on my feet. I also loved that I stayed with people all over Africa and have all become friends. And of course I loved the entertainment part, especially dance moves of different countries. I totally loved the whole experience.

7.    What would you tell those anticipating applying for the 2014 conference.

If you don’t have a vision, be there. If you have a vision be there, and at the end of just the very first day your mind won’t let you rest till you dream a vision and enforce it into a profitable action.

MEET OUR DIRECTOR OF THE MONTH OF JANUARY!!!!

NAME: Samuel Darko
AGE: 26
PROFESSION: Land Economist
COUNTRY: Ghana
ROLE IN IHAV: Country Director - Ghana

I am a Land Economist by profession. I love reading about the success stories of Africans across the world, listening to music and a secret desire for taking photos. Aside the fact that I love the Lord; I have become a more committed Christian because the second coming is at hand. I am an easygoing, fun-loving and a passionate football fan. Time spent with the people is something I cherish a lot, no matter the occasion, and I like to try new things also.

Due to my background in Land Economy, I am now into Real Estate specialized in Real Estate Management. I commit myself to two things everyday Real Estate Issues and IHAV Foundation issues. I love the profession I find myself in but I’m more passionate about Ihav because of the vision the organization has in youth empowerment.

My role at IHAV as the Country Director is challenging but a challenge I accepted because I wanted to portray the capabilities of the African Youth in a different way. My first initiative to promote IHAV was to come up with #Pieces for Peace, an idea born out of youth empowerment. That is by bringing the youth who are into fashion together to exhibit their products and a platform to encourage them start their own business, whiles giving five different orphanages African prints for the kids. The shared the idea with the President who gave the go ahead to implement it during the festive period so as to give back to the society as a social responsibility from IHAV

#Pieces for Peace is just an initiative we have started this year to promote our upcoming Conference later in the year. My team and I will work harder to put Ihav not just on the Ghanaian map, the African map but all over the World. The African story can be told in a different way rather than the poverty stricken and unemployed youth. Vision will ignite the fire of passion that fuels our commitment to do whatever it takes to achieve excellence.

Put your Vision in Action, I Have A Vision (IHAV)

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.