Yendi, Ghana – July 2025
Yendi Youth Connect (YYC) proudly launched the Yendi Young Achievers Club (YYAC) in a colourful and inspiring ceremony that brought together students, teachers, traditional leaders, education stakeholders, and development partners in the heart of Yendi. The event, hosted at one of the participating schools, marked a major milestone in YYC’s mission to empower the youth of Yendi through structured leadership, mentorship, and values-based development.
Students from Presby JHS, St. Charles JHS, Faisaliya Islamic JHS, Yendi Girls JHS, and SDA JHS formed the pilot cohort of this transformative club. The launch ceremony was filled with energy, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose for young people eager to shape their futures.
“Dream, Believe, and Achieve—Together”: A Vision Rooted in Hope
In his opening address, Abdul-Latif Abdulai, Executive Director of Yendi Youth Connect, shared the powerful message behind the club’s motto: “Dream, Believe, and Achieve—Together.” He encouraged the students to never stop dreaming, but to understand that dreams only become meaningful when they are backed by belief and collective action.
“Dreaming is the beginning of doing anything of value,” he emphasized. “But you must also believe in yourself and your vision. Without belief, your dream has no legs. And from there, you must act. Nobody walks alone in this life—we must achieve our dreams together as a team, as a community, and as a generation.”
Mr. Abdulai outlined the goals of the Young Achievers Club, which include building leadership skills, nurturing discipline, enhancing public speaking abilities, encouraging civic engagement, and improving digital literacy. Each school-based club will be led by a Club Patron and facilitated by trained YYC youth mentors. Students will participate in weekly in-school activities, monthly inter-school events, leadership challenges, and mentorship sessions with local and international role models.
“We are not just creating clubs—we are building a movement of young minds ready to rise and lead,” he said.
Encouraging Words from Community Leaders and Mentors
Several community figures and education advocates also spoke passionately to inspire the students and underscore the importance of education, discipline, and purpose-driven living.
Mr. Shamsudeen Abdul-Rahman, a respected educator and youth mentor, encouraged students to stay focused on their studies and learn the value of setting goals.
“No one becomes great by accident. Set clear goals, stay in school, and keep pushing yourself. Every book you read is a tool to build your future,” he told the students.
Mr. Abukari Motariga, another long-time supporter of youth development in Yendi, urged the students to be responsible and live in a way that honors their families and communities.
“Make your parents proud. Choose positive role models, respect your teachers, and be a leader of yourself first before you lead others,” he stated.
His message was reinforced by Alhaji Sulemana Gonji, who gave a strong call to action especially directed at the young girls present.
“Young girls, I beg you—stay focused. You are the most vulnerable in this society. Avoid early sex and peer pressure. If you get pregnant, you’ll drop out, and your future could be destroyed. But if you stay disciplined, you can become anything—nurse, teacher, minister, president,” he cautioned.
His words were received with loud applause and visible appreciation from both teachers and students, especially the girls of Yendi Girls JHS who nodded in agreement.
Global Wisdom, Local Impact: Melannie Cunningham Inspires Youth with Message of Possibility
The launch was graced by Miss Melannie Denise Cunningham, an African-American cultural ambassador, international speaker, and advocate for social justice. Miss Cunningham, who is on her second visit to Yendi as part of a partnership mission with YYC, brought a powerful cross-cultural message that struck a deep chord with the students.
She spoke directly and passionately, dispelling a common myth many African youth hold.
“Going to America is not the only way to succeed. In fact, many of the problems you are facing here are even worse there. The challenges of poverty, racism, and depression are real,” she said.
Miss Cunningham emphasized that success is not about geography, but identity and purpose.
“You can become successful right here in Yendi if you believe in yourself and work hard. Africa is rich—rich in culture, in people, in land, in ideas. The world is watching Africa, and it’s time for you to unlock the potential that already exists here,” she said, her voice filled with conviction.
Her message resonated strongly with the youth, many of whom said afterward that they were rethinking their perceptions of success and opportunity.
Students Speak Out: “We Are Ready to Lead”
Throughout the program, students demonstrated excitement, confidence, and an eagerness to be part of the Young Achievers movement. Here are four standout quotes from student participants:
🗣️ “This is the first time I feel like someone is talking to us about real life and leadership. I want to be part of this club and show that girls can lead too.”
— Amina Ibrahim, Yendi Girls JHS
🗣️ “YYAC is going to help us prepare for the future. I want to learn public speaking, and I hope one day I can speak on radio like the mentors.”
— Mubarak Fuseini, Presby JHS
🗣️ “What Miss Melannie said changed my mind. I used to think if I don’t travel, I won’t succeed. But now I know I can succeed in Yendi.”
— Rashid Abubakari, St. Charles JHS
🗣️ “I’m proud to be among the first group. I want to serve as the club president in my school and lead clean-up projects and debates.”
— Salamatu Adams, SDA JHS
Next Steps: Growing the Movement
The launch of the Young Achievers Club is just the beginning. YYC plans to roll out a full academic term calendar of activities for all participating schools. This will include:
- Weekly school club sessions on themes like values, discipline, public speaking, and leadership
- Monthly joint inter-school meetings featuring debates, mentorship talks, and community service projects
- Radio programs and podcasts hosted by student representatives to discuss youth issues
- A vacation leadership trip to Tamale and Mole National Park to expose students to higher education institutions, environmental sites, and inspiring mentors
- Social media engagement and creative content challenges to amplify student voices
Community Partnerships and Support
The program is being implemented with the support of the Ghana Education Service – Yendi Directorate, school administrators, Parent Teacher Associations, Dasuma Radio, and community leaders. Each school has nominated a Club Patron, who will coordinate with the YYC central team to ensure effective and sustained programming.
YYC also hopes to mobilize resources and partners to support club operations with educational materials, T-shirts, field trips, internet access, and training sessions.
“We invite development partners, corporate organizations, and individuals to support this youth-led initiative that is planting the seeds of transformation in Yendi,” said Mr. Abdul-Latif.
A Future Full of Possibilities
As the event came to a close, the mood was optimistic and energized. The launch of the Yendi Young Achievers Club has opened a new chapter for youth leadership in Yendi—one rooted in values, purpose, and collective strength.
Miss Cunningham’s closing words captured the spirit of the day:
“You are not the future leaders—you are the leaders now. The world is waiting for your greatness. Don’t waste time. Rise, lead, and light the way.”
With this foundation laid, Yendi Youth Connect is committed to walking alongside the young achievers of Yendi every step of the way.
