Youth Understanding of GCED by Emmanuel Yamoah

Outreach to the Community Special Vocational School, Deduako.

Last weekend, 21 members of Patriots Ghana KNUST embarked on an outreach to the Community Special Vocational School, for Intellectual Disabilities Deduako-Kumasi. The purpose of the visit was to interact with the students, commence the collaboration between the two organizations, engage in gardening together with student and make donations. The patriots were received at the school amidst drumming and dancing by the schools cultural troop, and they couldn’t help but join in dancing. After everyone was seated, the assistant headmaster, Mr. Joseph Stanley (Msc.) welcomed them to the school. The founder of the chapter, Mr. Emmanuel Yamoah, responded by introducing the team to the school, after which each member introduced themselves to the school. The students of the school then enthusiastically introduced themselves, mentioning their names and nicknames. Mr. Yamoah then explained the reason for the visit and activities for the day. He talked about the intentions of the chapter to support the school, which are in three forms. Firstly, to supply the school with food items and renovate the schools garden to ensure sustained food supply. Then provide the school with materials for their workshops and market the end products. Lastly, initiate a self-help group (with CLED-Ghana) to improve conditions of students and ensure all the above initiatives are properly carried out. Afterwards, the patriots together with the students held hands and went on tour of the school. They went to the workshops, and here the students showed them some of the artifacts they make, such as candles, beads, macramé, batiks, leather works etc. They also went to the dormitories, and the students were so happy to show them their nicely laid beds and proposed that the chapter spends the night in the school. They then went to the office of the headmaster, Mr Stephen Gyasi, where he presented a nicely designed candle to the president of the chapter, Shamsiya Abdul Kadir. This was to commemorate the beginning of a long lasting relationship between the two organizations. After everyone present went to the garden of the school to prepare beds for planting of the vegetables and also clear the land to plant maize. This was done with the help of expert from the Faculty of Agriculture, KNUST. This turned into a fun activity, which everyone participated in and interacted with each other amidst laughter. The maize planted would help sustain the food supply of the school, since it has a lot of uses. After the day’s work, it was time to have more fun! There was drumming, dancing and eating together, dubbed “sobolo party”.Each student had a dance partner and there was a dancing competition between the students and the patriots. There was so much joy in the atmosphere and it also created the opportunity to get to know each other more. Finally, the president and executives of the chapter presented the donations to the school. This included bags of rice, gari, sugar, maize and also can foods, clothing, shows, toys, toiletries and detergents, extra seeds, a first aid kit, bed sheets and many other items the students requested for. The students and staff of the school were so happy and headmaster thanked the team on behalf of the school. After this, each student took a picture a member of chapter he or she has been with throughout the day and all the pictures would be printed and sent to the students. After the day’s event, the reporter from Nhyira Fm (104.5) and Luv Fm (99.5) interviewed both the headmaster of the school and the leaders of the chapter. They used the opportunity to create awareness about stigmatization of people with disabilities and also to solicit for support for the school. The leaders of the chapter also met with the staff to make preparations for future initiatives geared towards ensuring that the students are well catered for, trained and properly integrated into the community. Special thank you to our National Cordinator, Eric Opoku Agyemang, Director of Campaign for Learning Disability, Mr.Padmore Quansah, and Director for Girls Education Initiative of Ghana, Elizabeth Patterson for the expert advice, contributions and future support for this project. Patriots Ghana KNUST would like to express our profound gratitude also to everyone that supported, especially all the students of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), that donated cash and items. And also the patriots of KNUST for saving 1cedi per to donate and making every effort to make this happen even when it was within the examination period, especially the executives and the project coordinator Theophilous Adjei. We also thank Nhyira Fm (104.5) and Luv Fm (99.5) for assisting with advocacy. The next phase of the project is to increase awareness about stigmatization of people with intellectual disabilities, increase food supply, improve the workshop’s productivity and initiate a self-help group. All these initiatives would be done together with the students, their parents, and the school. Patriots Ghana is requesting support for this project financially to complete and sustain the proposed initiatives. As far as we are concerned disabilities means possibilities. You can support us by donating to MTN Mobile Money account 0247602583 or donate online at. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/support-for-school-for-the-intellectually-disabled

POTABLE WATER FOR YAMOAH NKWANTA

Patriots Ghana University Chapters (UCC, Legon, KNUST and MUCG) have decided to volunteer 1 to 2weeks of their summer long vacation every year to provide support for one of the poorest communities in Ghana and help them with some basic needs including social amenities. Patriots Ghana is a registered non-profit non-governmental organization that seeks to develop, encourage and empower Ghanaian citizens and organizations to undertake community services geared towards national development. Jei Krodua -Yamoah Nkwanta, the town selected is in the Awutu Senya District that’s in the Central Region of Ghana. The village has a population of about (800) eight hundred and currently lacks access to any basic social amenity. Though there are several challenges or needs, one of the most pressing needs of the community is access to portable water. The locals currently resort to a stagnant water source for their domestic activities and it has the potential of enhancing water borne diseases. The government of Ghana under the Sustainable Rural Water and Sanitation project sponsored by the World Bank (WB) drilled a borehole for the community and other nine others in the district. Unfortunately, funding for the project seized and the constructors halted the project since 2008, but had finished with the drilling. Addition to this challenge the community also lacks a toilet facility and further enhancing the potential for increased water borne diseases. According to the health records in the district, most of the health cases from this community and its environs are as a result of poor and bad water sources. The nonexistence of a health facility also makes it impossible for the community to handle some of these health problems resulting from contaminated water source. Children who have been sick and drop out of schools due to contaminated water and basic health issues is increasing and has resulted in increased school dropout rate. This has become a great need and why Patriots Ghana University Chapters has decided to help provide a source of Potable water for the Yamoah Nkwanta Village. Aside that they would be offering free teaching and evening classes to the children in the village to help improve their academic performance and also engage the whole community in public health education on various health issues especially those that are related to sanitation and hygiene. The Patriots team has visited the village on several occasions to do a feasibility study, officially meet the chiefs and community leaders, and interact with the locals to identify the problems of the community and how best they can be solved. The team has also made an official visit to the District Chief Executive of the district, Lieutenant Daniel Osardu (Retired) and has received approval and the support of his high office. Patriots Ghana is soliciting for support financially, materially or any kind of assistance so we can provide the community with this basic need and solve the problems that are associated with the lack of these social amenities. Pictures and videos of the project will be sent to our donors or anyone who contributes to the construction of the portable water. Thank you in advance for your generosity and for taking your time to read this message. http://www.patriotsghana.org/ https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.646361805455714.1073741858.396983500393547&type=1 http://awakeafrica.org/university-students-embark-on-project-to-provide-community-with-portable-water/#sthash.ltq1Dehn.SqYs6RdB.dpbs

ICT OUTREACH AND FREE EYE SCREENING AT ANTWIAGYEIKROM

On the 17TH May Patriots Ghana KNUST (PGK) partnered the Young At Heart (YAH) Ghana organization for an ICT outreach to Antwiagyeikrom in the Ashanti Region. This was to mark the final ICT outreach of YAH’s Discover ICT project that seeks to educate school children on Information Communication and Technology (ICT). The organization has been to various rural communities such as Bredi, Abuabogya, Okyerekrom etc. This outreach brought together 47 volunteers from PGK and YAH together with volunteer optometrists for free eye screening and AIESEC volunteers and interns in Ghana. The team was introduced and received by the Headmaster Rev. Prince Charles and afterwards the volunteers dispersed to various classes from Class 1 to Junior High School 3. The students were enlightened on the communication, parts of the computer, types of computers, various basic operations and maintenance of the computer. The children were also taught an ICT song composed by YAH to help them remember what they had learned. The optometrists also screened the various children for possible eye defects and problems and advised the good practices to help them have good eye sight. During break and after the lessons the volunteers used the opportunity to advise the students on various social issues and also holding onto what they learnt.

Conference for youth in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana.

Patriots Ghana KNUST supported iSmile International to organize and hold the BEYOUTIFUL SEMINAR for teens in the metropolis at the GNAT Hall, Amakom, Kumasi. iSmile International is an NGO that embarks on various outreaches to various villages and rural areas to support the schools and the less privileged especially in the schools. The organization is made up of passionate people from all walks of life that want to contribute towards the development of society. The Director of the organization, Miss Priscilla Yirenkyi and the President of Patriots Ghana KNUST, Emmanuel Yamoah both Sociology and Social Work students of KNUST brought together 30 student volunteers from both organizations for the event. The major speaker for the event was Dr Frances Azumah, a lecturer at KNUST and other speakers were from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and Pastor.The participating schools were Elite College, Ideal College, and also teens from King Jesus Charity Home, SOS children’s village and other teenagers resident in Amakom. The teens were talked to on various topics related to personal hygiene, reproductive health, personal development, etc. The volunteers also interacted with the teens on various social issues and encouraged them to stay focused on their education to become great men and women in the future. Afterwards, there was a question and answer session where the teens received various prizes.

World Health Day 2014 Ghana

To celebrate World Health Day, Patriots Ghana KNUST had a reproductive health talk and discussion at the Unisco Model Complex, followed by a research on adolescent reproductive health. The talk was organized for all the Junior High School students in the school. The team of volunteers talked to the students on the different behavioral changes that occur at that stage, how to have control over the edge to indulge in sexual relationships, and abstinence from sex. The students were also enlightened on how pornographic materials and the mass media can give them false knowledge and contribute to them having a desire to have to sex. They were encouraged to always have the confidence to approach their parents, teachers, religious leaders or the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana to discuss their weaknesses, problems, etc with relation to sex. The students were also educated on teenage pregnancy, its effects, the causes, and how to effectively prevent being a victim. They were also made aware of how to treat such victims properly and to learn from their mistakes. Finally, they were advised to take their education very seriously as they are the future of the country and to stay focused on achieving greater heights. The students prompted on the various obstacles to becoming great people in future such as teenage pregnancy, laziness, bad peer influence etc. After the session, a research questionnaire was distributed to the students to fill out anonymously. The research is help PGK identify the knowledge base of teens, their problems, a source for future reference etc. Thereafter, Patriots interacted with the students and gave out copies of Jack Reagans book to students that answered some questions and made contributions. Happy Word Health Day. Join Patriots Ghana NOW Source: Emmanuel Yamoah President Patriots Ghana KNUST Contact: 0247602583 (whatsapp, viber)

Clean Up exercise at University Hospital

Patriots Ghana KNUST in collaboration with the Student Parliament KNUST organized a cleanup exercise at the University Hospital, KNUST and its surroundings. The Hospital serves as the health facility for the university students and also residents of Ayigya, Ayeduase, Bomso and many other surrounding communities. The event was one of the various events for the month of March as it’s the month of Ghana’s independence. The volunteers distilled the gutters, picked around, swept etc. The volunteers were offered gloves, boots and nose mask for protection and also brooms, rakes, shovels, wheel barrows, cutlasses etc. to ensure that the exercise was done effectively without any health problems. UTV Ghana, a local television station was present to take coverage of the exercise and also interview the Speaker of Parliament, the president of Patriots Ghana KNUST, (Emmanuel Yamoah) also the health personnel at the hospital. After, the exercise the volunteers had a breakfast and socialization session to get to know about each other’s volunteering experiences and about the two groups. Patriots Ghana KNUST would like to say thank you to the University Hospital, Zoomlion Ghana LTD, and UTV Ghana. Patriots Ghana KNUST- Developing the Nation with Passion. Join now and let’s make a difference together Source: Emmanuel Yamoah President Patriots Ghana KNUST www.patriotsghana.org www.patriotsghana-knust.webs.com +233247602583

Visit to family with five blind offspring

Patriots Ghana KNUST being touched by the plight of a family in Kumawu Bodomase decided to visit them during their Easter break. The family of eight has five of the children blind and the parents currently jobless. The students solicited for funds from their fellow students, friends and family and members of the group. Members of the chapter accompanied by a media group on campus called watuptek embarked on this outreach. On reaching their destination, they were welcomed by the family and both parties introduced themselves. The president ( Emmanuel Ato Yamoah)of the group prayed and told them the reason for the visit. He then asked them about their wellbeing in all aspects and also about their situation. The mother told them that they weren't born blind but they lost their sight as they grew up and have been told by the doctors that there is no cure. The children of Madame Abena Kokowa (who does not know her age) are Kojo (42),Kwaku Solomon (36), Abena Mary (34) Comfort (32) and Dorcas (22). The youngest ( dorcas) who attends Senior High School told the group about the challenges she has been going through and how she manages to study. According to her there is not sufficient learning material for her and also most of the text books and manuscripts she needs are not in the braille form. After inquiry, the family told them about how they currently do not receive any support from the society, NGO or the government, not even with regards to Dorcas and Comforts schooling. They all expressed how they wish they could have sight so they could support the family and relieve their mother of the burden since she is old now and they are also very capable of working. The president then asked them what is the one thing they would like the group to do for them and they responded that they would like to receive a training and financial support in vocation and also financial support for those in school. The team led by the president donated items such as; rice, oil, soaps, washing powder, blankets, bed sheets and many others to them and wished them a happy holiday. After they helped them with some of their chores, interacted with them, prayed and later asked for permission to leave. We hope our visit impacted their lives and gave them another reason to be happy in this festive season. Patriots Ghana KNUST intends to provide a more sustainable support for this family and others and requests for support from any individual or group that would like to make a change. Thank you and Happy Easter. Contact- +233(0) 247602583 Source: Emmanuel Yamoah President Patriots Ghana KNUST www.patriotsghana.org

Patriotism Project to nurture next generation of patriots in Ghana

Patriots Ghana KNUST as part of their vision to nurture the next generation of Patriots and intellectuals in Ghana visited the Ayeduase Cluster of Schools for a talk and discussion session. The president, Emmanuel Yamoah spoke to the children about patriotism and illustrated some acts of patriotism using current and historical patriots. The students were also enlightened on the difference between Patriotism and Jingoism. Using the difference cultural indicators, the students were encouraged to value themselves, feel proud to be Ghanaian and continue to cherish the dressing, food, literature, symbols, film, music and dance, etc. The Daniel Owusu a student volunteer and member also made the students aware of the various resources of the country such as cocoa, timber, petroleum and natural gases, agricultural produce etc. Thereafter through a discussion they were showed some of the reasons why despite these resources, the country is not developing at its full capacity such as lack of human resources, corruption, illiteracy, poor sanitation etc. They then stressed on how the children of Ghana are very important to the country and their role in ensuring that Ghana develops. They were encouraged to stay in school and study very hard, help their friends, keep the environment clean, respect the laws and cherish their rights, etc. Further, Selorm Deku spoke to them about staying focused on their education and making every effort to develop, learn and shunning any habit that would hinder them from being what they desire to be. He illustrated how laziness, irrelevant relationships, media, disobedience etc could go a long way to destroy their future and affect the development of Ghana. Afterwards, all present stood up and recited the national pledge and then twenty students that answered questions were given a free copy of the How to Pass your Exams book by Jack Reagans. The questions included the meaning of the colors of the national flag, the meaning of the word Ghana (Warrior King). Thereafter, Godwin Seworno made a presentation of the Ghanaian National Flag to the school, followed by a group picture with the flag and interaction with the students and teachers. Patriots Ghana believes that as a country if we make a conscious effort to nurture and invest in the children of Ghana, and also by developing their minds to think positively and love their country, Ghana will be able to develop to her full capacity. Patriots Ghana- Developing the Nation with Passion Source: Emmanuel Yamoah President Patriots Ghana KNUST www.patriotsghana.org www.patriotsghana-knust.webs.com +233247602583 (whatsapp, viber) Pa

University Students embark on project to provide community with portable water.

University Students embark on project to provide community with portable water.

Quiz competition for students

Patriots Ghana KNUST organized a quiz and spelling bee competition at the MA BEDIAKO PREPARATORY SCHOOL at Amakom, Kumasi. The chapter prior to the event visited the school to event received authorization from the Head teacher, Mr. C.A Boahen and interacted with the teachers of the school. The fifteen contestants, that is three from each of the five teams were tested on grammar, mathematics, science and spelling. The competition was divided into three rounds and points were awarded accordingly. At the end of the competition, Patriots Ghana KNUST awarded certificates of participation and books to all the contestants and also gave out KNUST customized books, wrist bands, pens etc dependent on their positions in the competition. After, the president of the chapter, Emmanuel Yamoah, used the opportunity to have a short talk session with the students. He talked to the students about the importance of reading wide and also entreated them to stay focused on their education. After the students had told him their career choices, he encouraged them to believe in themselves and motivated them to aspire to become whatever they want thus also staying away from anything that would prevent them achieving their desires such as bad company, inappropriate use of the internet, spending too much with the television etc. The event coordinator, Prince Adutwum afterwards congratulated the participants, the students present and also their teachers for the great performances, and motivated them to stay focused because they are the future of Ghana. He also stated that they are among the best schools in Kumasi .

After the event the Patriots, interacted with the teachers and the children and thereafter visited the office of the headmaster to thank him for the support and also discussed future collaborations for educative and developmental projects and events.

Patriots Ghana appreciates the efforts of all the members that made the event a success and invites everyone else to join, so we can develop our dear country and nurture the future leaders.

PATRIOTS GHANA KNUST- DEVELOPING THE NATION WITH PASSION.

(www.patriotsghana-knust.webs.com)

Quiz Competition in Kumasi Metropolis

Patriots Ghana KNUST organized a quiz and spelling bee competition at the MA BEDIAKO PREPARATORY SCHOOL at Amakom, Kumasi. The chapter prior to the event visited the school to event received authorization from the Head teacher, Mr. C.A Boahen and interacted with the teachers of the school. The fifteen contestants, that is three from each of the five teams were tested on grammar, mathematics, science and spelling. The competition was divided into three rounds and points were awarded accordingly. At the end of the competition, Patriots Ghana KNUST awarded certificates of participation and books to all the contestants and also gave out KNUST customized books, wrist bands, pens etc dependent on their positions in the competition. After, the president of the chapter, Emmanuel Yamoah, used the opportunity to have a short talk session with the students. He talked to the students about the importance of reading wide and also entreated them to stay focused on their education. After the students had told him their career choices, he encouraged them to believe in themselves and motivated them to aspire to become whatever they want thus also staying away from anything that would prevent them achieving their desires such as bad company, inappropriate use of the internet, spending too much with the television etc. The event coordinator, Prince Adutwum afterwards congratulated the participants, the students present and also their teachers for the great performances, and motivated them to stay focused because they are the future of Ghana. He also stated that they are among the best schools in Kumasi .

After the event the Patriots, interacted with the teachers and the children and thereafter visited the office of the headmaster to thank him for the support and also discussed future collaborations for educative and developmental projects and events.

Patriots Ghana appreciates the efforts of all the members that made the event a success and invites everyone else to join, so we can develop our dear country and nurture the future leaders.

PATRIOTS GHANA KNUST- DEVELOPING THE NATION WITH PASSION.

Source: Emmanuel Yamoah

                President Patriots Ghana KNUST

(www.patriotsghana-knust.webs.com)

Educational Policy in Ghana 2004 by John Agyekum Kuffour

The Expression of Patriotism by the Ghanaian youth

Ghana can boast of patriotic youth both present and past such as our first president Dr Kwame Nkrumah, the Big Six, the veterans of 1948, Dr. Kwegir Aggrey, Kofi Annan, and many others that were involved in the fight for independence and after independence. These are all people that had and have their country at heart and one way or the other due to their interest in the affairs of their country took the necessary actions. These are much respected people in our world today and they are heroes and role models for many. As to whether the youth today are as patriotic as those of the 1900’s or if it was their choice or a collective duty to Ghana for the youth in the 1900’s that’s also quite a debatable topic.

Some may also be of the view that the youth of Ghana are more interested in making quick money, social media, fashion, drugs, clubbing or fraud. Yet, there are also those belonging to the school of thought that, the youth have an urge to participate in policy making, patronize made in Ghana products, bring about innovations in relation to our culture, sense of patriotism and volunteerism, respect for the elderly and love for our country.

Personally, I think the youth of Ghana also have a strong sense of patriotism within them and this is demonstrated in how passionate we are about issues affecting the country. Examples are our love for peace and stability, justice, sense of community, respect for the elderly and compassion towards the less privileged in society. Unfortunately, this passion is not channeled appropriately in the right direction. In my observation, mostly we resort to making our concerns known on social media platforms, group discussions and arguments and television and radio shows. This even though somehow useful achieves little or no results since the leaders consider such grievances. In my own opinion it shows their love for their country only that it should be channeled to the right platform, the relevant people, using effective means and most importantly taking positive action on their own to solve the various problems on their own .It is not wholly about what they are interested in or whether they are better than their leaders but what impact are they having on their country. Advocacy, negotiation and discussions are vital but it is about time the youth look forward to resorting to identifying what they want in their communities.

It definitely will be more effective to start to do something, even if little, to implement our ideas and dreams. Together we can rise above the fear of being wrong or failing and any phobia of being different or criticized. After all, we still have priceless assets such as our time, skills and the youthful energy which can be put to very good use. The days of waiting for the government and politicians are over because it has not provided the desired result and the youth have to take up responsibilities for positive change. We have the option to be the change we want to see in our world, first by starting with ourselves and then making that change. Prior to all this, the youth have to make it a point to change the way we think, our attitudes towards development and how we perceive our communities. It is essential that the youth being the backbone begin to think positively and believe in ourselves and our country. We need to decide on what we want to do and go be it, taking into consideration the positive impact we can have on country and how we would unconsciously be developing ourselves. We should be motivated to be passionate about our country enough, to develop the love for volunteering and patriotic ways of life. We should learn to overlook the material benefits we can get, the problems or challenges we face, the actions of politicians, and what or who has started so far and start something so others can follow our lead.

That said, there should be more organizations such as Patriots Ghana (www.patriotsghana.org) and other youth friendly organizations that would provide the right platform to train, nurture, improve and harness the skills of the youth towards sustainable development. Leaders at all levels should give the youth the chance to also contribute their quota to this country no matter how small it may seem. The youth should be provided with platforms and avenues such as internships, workshops, seminars, training sessions, and exchange programs so they can acquire the requisite knowledge and skills. This is essential in the sense that “you cannot give what you do not have.

If these actions are encouraged it will surely go a long way to reduce the level of unemployment in the youth, since they would be equipped to start their enterprises, projects and organizations. It is important that, this be incorporated right from the basic school level, so that after school the youth would not be looking forward to someone employing them but would be motivated to start their own entities to employ others, support themselves and contribute to their countries development.

Furthermore, youth clubs should be established in all communities and already existing ones should be revitalized to create a very good platform for the youth of communities to volunteer, interact and have good peer influence towards development. Ghana needs the youth and the youth need their country. “wonsom! wonsom! wonyi nyimpa”, if the youth should come together, with one mind and passion for our dear motherland, believing in ourselves and our country there is nothing we cannot do. As a fellow volunteer and member of Patriots Ghana KNUST (www.patriotsghana-knust.webs.com) it is easy to notice how effective and the impact we have on how community even with the somewhat little things that we do. This can be attributed to the unity in strength, passion, like mindedness, love, energy, intellect, determination and many other remarkable qualities. We can start by doing what is necessary and then what is possible and before long we would be doing the impossible. It is time to live for a greater purpose, let us not miss what matters, we should let go of the irrelevant connections and attachments and reach out.

Arise Ghana Youth!!!

Article By: Emmanuel Yamoah

                        Patriots Ghana KNUST