My Mentor, My Pal inspires over 100 students from Asamankese

A vibrant plenary panel session took place at the Orange Loft. This event was hosted by UNFPA Ghana Country Office. Mentors from various professions shared their career journeys with students. Professions included entrepreneurship, medicine, academia, public health, and development work.

Commodore Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye-Boakye delivered the keynote address. She is Ghana Navy’s first female officer. She encouraged girls to believe in their potential and pursue leadership roles. Commodore Anokye-Boakye urged mentees to seize opportunities and show confidence.

Participants engaged in a unique mentorship experience. The session featured Michaela Wekem, Nelsie Addoh, Akosua Osei, Dr. Sonia-Amanda Ametume, and Angela Bortey. There were dynamic Q&A segments and individual mentorship encounters. Talks on reproductive health were led by Ms. Antoinette Da Rocha and Claudia Lawson.

UNFPA Youth Fellows supported the event by facilitating sessions. They shared personal stories to motivate students. One mentor expressed that one-on-one sessions were the highlight of the event. She learned from her mentee and felt inspired for parenting decisions.

Another mentor praised My Teen Life and FHL Group for a successful meet-up. Even mentors who attended via video call found it rewarding. They described the program as life-changing for both mentors and mentees.

The initiative "My Mentor, My Pal" aims to address mentorship gaps for young Ghanaian girls. It focuses on under-resourced communities facing issues like teenage pregnancies and school dropouts. The program pairs mentees with accomplished mentors for a full academic year.

Students participate in regular letter exchanges and in-person meet-ups throughout the year. One student shared her excitement about discovering new paths through this program.

The headmistress of St. Thomas SHS praised the initiative as timely for grooming future leaders in Ghana. As this first cohort completes their journey of personal development, organizers hope to expand the model nationwide.

They aim to create what they call “a mentorship revolution for national transformation.” Students also participated in a reproductive health education session focused on menstrual hygiene choices.