From dream to mentor scheme: sweet 16 sets her sights on success at Asaase

Drive to Inspire – Africa, a non-governmental organisation focusing on challenges that face the youth – has sponsored a week-long mentorship placement with Asaase Broadcasting Company for a 16-year-old senior high school student in Manya Krobo called Angela Kwao.

The staff of Drive to Inspire – Africa first discovered the SHS2 science student in November 2023 when they visited the school for an outreach workshop.

During the event, Angela expressed a keen interest in pursuing journalism. But it was the confidence she exuded which caught the attention of the founder of Drive to Inspire – Africa, Nana Adjoa Hackman.

On Thursday (1 February) a team from Drive to Inspire – Africa journeyed to Manya Krobo to bring Angela to Accra to begin her one-of-a-kind placement, with Asaase Radio.

What to do with talent

On arrival at Atua in the Eastern Region, staff of Drive to Inspire – Africa met with Angela’s family, who formally handed over the teenager to the NGO. They were grateful for the opportunity for their ward and expressed the hope that she would make the best out of it.

Angela’s grandfather Joseph Kwame Ohenpeng said: “I have given you permission to take her to Accra because we are in the era of civilisation: so, if you have a child and she is talented, you need people to support her in order for her to reach her full potential.”

The management of Manya Krobo Senior High School, where she is a student, advised Angela to uphold the principles of the school during her mentorship programme.

“I am sure this programme is going to move this school to higher heights. This will let so many people know about our school, so we are grateful to you,” said the headmistress of Manya Krobo Senior High, Agnes Nartey.

“It is our prayer that this relationship we have started will continue, so that we will get about 25 to 30% of my students being ready to be journalists in Ghana – and they should be good journalists.”

Guidance

Nana Adjoa Hackman, the founder of Drive to Inspire – Africa, met Angela Kwao when she arrived in Accra and encouraged her to make the most out of the opportunity she has been given.

She said: “I am sure you will have a great week; they are all waiting for you at Asaase. Everybody has been told that you are coming.

“You have a lot of people to mentor you, to guide you, so you should make the most of it, learn as much as you can.

“I am sure they will be happy to answer your questions and even when you leave, I am sure you can call them and ask them questions.”

Go higher

Welcoming her to the organisation, Michel Ajavon, speaking on behalf of the human resources unit at Asaase Broadcasting Company Ltd, wished Angela Kwao the very best for her placement at the multimedia company.

While at the station, she will understudy senior correspondents (including the author) and the supervising editor, Nana Yaa Mensah. The mentorship programme ends on 9 February 2024.

Drive to Inspire – Africa is a non-governmental organisation that seeks to inspire and mentor teenagers and young adults, especially girls between the ages of 13 and 25.

It works to get the youth to aim high while assisting them with opportunities that allow them to reach their potential and become tangible assets to their households, communities and countries.

Gemma Appiah, reporting on the road and in Accra for Asaase News

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