GHANA

GYF’s Ghana initiative is taking environmental education a step further by asking young people to become involved in forming Eco-Force clubs in their schools.  The mission of the club is to have elementary school students in Accra, raise environmental awareness and become volunteers in their communities by acting as role models and mentors to their peers and to younger students. We are currently engaging youth in 2 Private and 1 Public school.

By becoming involved in school-wide recycling and other projects in their schools and community, students will acquire skills to identify, investigate, and contribute to the resolution of the local environmental issue of plastic water bag disposal. According to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly(AMA) the plastic water bag accounts for 85% of the plastic waste in the city.

LIBERIA

Liberia faces many challenges after seven years of a devastating civil war.  The 2008 National Census Report indicates that youth represent 66% of the country’s population.  Mass destruction has significantly affected the livelihood of many Liberians resulting in an unemployment rate of approximately 85%.  As such, youth and young adults are faced with a bleak outlook on their future.

Similar to American youth of color, a lack of opportunity and access causes frustration and despair.  GYF presents  a Youth Conservation Corps as a solution because it directly tackles the issue of youth engagement and employment while addressing some of the country’s environmental concerns.  Youth are trained and certified in a skill that not only makes them employable after project completion, but uplifts their morale and makes the future promising.