”Mental health…is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.” Noam Shpancer

Beginning this month, our Aya Initiative, proudly supported by the KGL FOUNDATION will embark on a beautiful journey of healing with 25 beneficiaries from across Ghana. 

On April 13th, 2024, we launched this impactful project aimed at empowering and uplifting young Ghanaian women facing unique circumstances and challenges, with a particular emphasis on mental health and leadership development. The launch event brought together 25 young women from diverse regions, along with members of the AKAYA Team and Volunteers, at the KGL Foundation Headquarters in Labone, Accra.

Following a round of introductions, remarks from team members and a session of icebreakers and games, the ladies expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this incredible initiative. One participant shared, “I feel highly honored to have been part of the programme. Sitting in a room led by amazing ladies really inspired me. I hope to get to a point where my confidence becomes like Dr Khadija Owusu's own and I build Resilience like Miss Candybell Kensah. I am really grateful for the opportunity.” 

Sharing similar sentiments, another participant expressed how safe she felt being a part of the programme. She emphasized how much her confidence was already boosted and how comfortable she was sharing her story. While acknowledging the hardships they've faced, the girls also expressed optimism about the future. They appreciated the opportunity to connect with peers facing similar struggles and were eager to continue their journey of personal growth and empowerment through the Aya Initiative.

This comprehensive programme is designed to support young women who have encountered various hardships, including but not limited to child marriage, gender-based violence, health conditions (both mental and physical), disabilities, and societal stigma. Additionally, it aims to assist young women who have experienced teenage pregnancy, displacement from their home countries, or have taken on additional caretaking responsibilities due to financial constraints.

Through this holistic approach, the Aya Initiative seeks to provide these young women with the necessary resources, support, and opportunities to overcome their challenges and thrive in their personal and professional lives.

The initiative consists of four phases; Blossom, Empower, Aspire and Thrive. The first phase, which just ended, was an opportunity to nurture the potential of the ladies and lay the foundation for a transformative journey. The next phase is designed to empower the ladies to overcome mental health challenges, build resilience, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. The “Aspire” and “Thrive” phases will equip them with skills and a mindset to be agents of change and achieve meaningful goals, and reflect and celebrate their renewed confidence and sense of purpose respectively. 

In the next few months, we'll keep you updated on the inspiring journey of the Aya Initiative beneficiaries, as these remarkable young women blossom, empower, aspire, and ultimately thrive. Together, we'll witness their resilience, growth, and transformation, affirming that mental health and leadership is indeed a lifelong journey. Stay tuned for more stories of courage, hope, and triumph.

“Recovery is not one and done. It is a lifelong journey that takes place one day, one step at a time.”

Article written by Della Adzadi (Communications Officer - AKAYA).