10 unique points on IHAV Project conferences

In the run up to the 2014 conference, conference applicants may be asking themselves what makes iHav unique and different from other conference projects they have attended before? Well here is a list of 10 unique points about IHav Conference Projects

1.  The event is a continental wide event, so as to foster regional integration amongst African youth and finding out regional perspective on issues affecting the youth such as unemployment, encouraging sustainable lifestyles through promoting green economies, and healthy living and promoting green economies as an adaptation to climate change.

2. Break cultural diversity through teamwork, our team has  youth with a diverse academic background, this showing the great confluence of skills as an appropriate approach in dealing with issues affecting Africa. The great diversity of thought is our strongest link.

3. We aim at promoting a dialogues which are action oriented through the establishment of social projects that iHav Foundation will fund and assist to set up

4.  Create solutions for the future through practical models

5.  Break political boundaries

6. Smaller groups to enhance more involvement in outlined activities

7.       Round table discussions and debates with speakers and other participants

8   8. Exchange of ideas

     9. Challenge to act and improve the quality of life across the continent We aim to create public-private sector partnership, through engaging regional bodies like the A.U , Africa Development Bank and youth entrepreneurs

    10.  Organised entirely by and for the youth

      If you haven’t applied to be part of the 2014 Conference apply today and you may just stand a chance to be a part of the 100 visionaries drawn from across the continent of Africa.To register CLICK HERE

THE ROLE OF YOUTH IN REALIZING THEIR VISION FOR CHANGE!

A cursory look at our society and world  at large will reveal that the  young people are not effectively represented in the decision making bodies that exist in the world today and  this  has  hampered  the  contribution the  young  people  can  make  towards ensuring  a  peaceful  and  harmonious society and world at large. So the  question is,  despite  this  difficulty,  how  can  the young  people  still  play  a  role  and contribute to the peaceful and harmonious co-existence of our world? I have been able to identify three ways by which young people can help to realize the vision of a peaceful and harmonious world and they are:

1.  BY  JOINING  INTERNATIONAL  AND NATIONAL VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS:  

 In  this  present  world, there  are  so  many  national  and international  voluntary  organizations  that a  young  person  can  join  and  through which such a  young person will be  able to play  a  role  and  contribute  to  a  peaceful and harmonious  world. Such organizations include   AIESEC,  ROTARY,  AMNESTY and RED  CROSS   just  to mention a  few.  These bodies  are  notable  for  the  efforts  being made  by  them  to  ensure  that  the  world will live in is peaceful Thus; a young person can  join  any  of  these  organizations  in  his domicile  country  and  be  effective  in projecting the vision. Also at  the national level  there  are  other  organizations  that  a person can join. In Nigeria for  example we have  Access  to  Justice,  CODER,  Save Democracy Group and professional bodies. This is also another forum where a young person can  make  himself/herself  effective in ensuring global peace and harmony.

2.THROUGH  THE  LOCAL  AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA:

The  media  has  proved  to  be  one  of  the best  tool  through  which  global peace  and harmony can  be ensured. A young person can  share his ideas and views through the media.  The  Internet  which  the  young people are so used to is another effective avenue through which a young person can

contribute  to  global  peace  and  harmony. Social  network  sites  like   FACEBOOK   and TWITTER  host  millions  of  youth  around the  world and  it  can  also be  employed  to contribute to global peace and harmony.

3.THROUGH  STUDENTS’  BODIES  AND ORGANIZATIONS:

Majority  of  young  people  are  at  different stages of the educational structure such as the  High  School,  College  and  the University.  Students’  bodies  exist  in  most institutions and where properly  employed, they  can  become  effective  means  of participation  in  ensuring  the  vision  for global  peace.  The  popular  social  network site, FACEBOOK was started by a group of students  in  Harvard  and  today  it  has become  the  largest  and   most  popular social  network site in the world. If a group of students could achieve this feat then we can  imagine  greater  things  students’ bodies  will  be  able  to  do.  Thus,  Students’ organizations can be an  effective platform for a young  person to contribute to world peace and harmony.In conclusion, to build the theory of Change we need to support the  youth  to  be  part  of  policy  making  in the nation.

By Olumide Climate Idowu (Nigeria)

IHAV Nigeria Country Director / iHav 2013 Conference participant

My Vision is my boss – A lesson from IHAV

After taking a look at the structure of the organization and work that needs to be done, I came to a conclusion – this organization must be run by one African Superman/ superwoman really serious about investing in youth. Question is who is this super house and what makes this organization so successful? What makes the youth so motivated to work and put the organization on the map? I mean, coordinating activities around Africa, surely there is something more than money, ability, and willingness at play here. Anyway, as a researcher I just could not leave these questions unanswered, so I went on a research jaunt to quench my thirst. I found answers!

On a personal basis I have always found satisfaction in volunteering at various levels such as at school, church, and my community. This I do in a bid to help make my community a better and safer place to live. In my volunteering years I have learnt many a lesson, one particular one being that what strengthens my resume is more responsibility not a bigger title. This I learnt from a great team at IHAV Africa, an organization I volunteer at which seeks to inspire and challenge youth across Africa to envision change and ACT on it.

If I were to describe the IHAV family in a few words I’d say they are “engagement champions.” Why do I say so? It’s simple. Let me explain to you what to me, makes IHAV the most fun organization to volunteer for. IHAV is an open platform of visionaries who encourage each other to act on their vision to make Africa a better home. What I like most is the fact that youth are not fitted into jobs but they do what they feel is in line with the organization’s objectives and vision. In not so many words they make the vision the “BOSS.”

One might then ask how this can be when clearly it has departments and Directors in those departments. These are just there to act as focal points or references but definitely not bosses. This is the reason why even a volunteer can communicate with the Head Director straight up. I believe when people always tell you what to do, then you are a machine, but if you are given enough authority and work with people who share the same vision as you, extraordinary things happen. J IHAV team members do not wait to be given work, rather they come up with innovative and engaging ways that continually better the organization. Like this article, I wasn’t told to write it but I’m sure it adds some value, continue reading.

It is always a joy to work with people who share the same vision as you and encourage you. This makes you grow in the right direction. I always enjoy sharing whatever I learn from the team with others. After all, a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. Having said this, let me take this opportunity to invite you all to the upcoming IHAV annual conference from the 30^th of July to the 2^nd of August in Accra Ghana. Here over 100 young African visionaries interact to discuss on challenges and opportunities in agribusiness. This year’s theme is “Creating an agribusiness revolution with Africa’s youth.” Make sure you book your seat, see you there.For registration please CLICK HERE

BY ANGELBERT WAMAMBO (IHAV TEAM MEMBER FROM ZIMBABWE)

Curious mind broadcaster shares his views on last years conference......

First Name:  Herbert

Last Name:  Acheampong 

Country:      Ghana

University:   University of Education Winneba

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

Eventbite post

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

I needed to meet new people with different problem solving abilities

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

I had the chance to understand other cultures and to merge or integrate agriculture and education, which will enable me to counsel students on choosing a career in agriculture and curb the misconception of agriculture as a business for the poor.

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

Yes

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 people, the food and the education

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

They should expect to meet great young people who are willing to help solve issues bothering them.

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Dr Progress Africa on IHAV 2013 CONFERENCE

First Name(s): Stephen (Dr. Progress)

Last Name: Daniel

Country: Nigeria/Uganda

University: Uganda Christian University

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

I was going through the internet for opportunities that could add on my experience and equip me on my quest to transform the African continent when I found about the IHav conference. I applied and luckily I was selected to attend.

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

 I was motivated to attend because the program was in line with my vision. I have a vision to see Africa transform into a first word continent by the year 2030 where every human ha equal opportunity to maximize their God given potential.

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

I benefitted from this program as I got to meet with like minded youths from across Africa who are ready to take on the responsibility for transforming to continent to what it should be. I met with youths doing great things at the African Union in Addis, from Zimbabwe and other great African countries. I also got an opportunity to be featured on Ghana’s national TV to air my views on what should be done to transform the continent.

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

 I would be sincere and say Yes and No. Yes I have been able to contact them after the program No because we have not started working on the project as a team but as individuals.  We have not been able to effectively manage the project effectively due to distance and lack of coordination.

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 group discussions and project design.

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

I would say go for it as it is worth the while. Come meet with other African youth and tie the knot together for the transformation of our continent. Nobody would build Africa for us better than ourselves and you have the key to that transformation.

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)