From Participant to Facilitator: My Full-Circle Journey with the Like Her Project

When I entered into my school’s dining hall back in Keta Senior High, I was unsure of what to expect because we have been visited by several NGOs talking about menstrual health and I thought this was just another, but it was different. I was nervous, curious, unsure of what the program had for me. But the Like Her project sparked something in me at the time I was confused about everything, especially school. The project became my safe space and at that moment, I learnt a lot. I knew it was an experience that helped me find myself one way or the other.

Girls in Tema High School - August 2025

After completing senior high school, I searched for AKAYA to join them and a friend sent me a link to apply for the Aya initiative and it has been the best decision in have ever made in my life and for the first time ever I felt accomplished. My journey with AKAYA from April till now has been nothing short but an amazing journey. I have learnt to be confident, find my voice and purpose in closed spaces and I am so grateful for the opportunity to grow.

Fast forward in August, the team sent a message in our Aya Initiative group about a volunteering opportunity for the Like Her project in Tema and I volunteered not knowing what to expect. The program gave me de-ja-vu seeing that I was once like the ladies in uniform not knowing what to expect but I was not there as a little girl participating but as a volunteer and a facilitator. The experience was surreal, refreshing and humbling.

In the room, I saw younger versions of myself unsure whether to raise their hands or speak, others whispering to their friends and others silent. The silent ones reminded me of myself back when I was in that seat once soaking in the talks I got that day. I recognised the nervousness in them and the hesitation to ask or answer questions because I was once in their position. This time was different because I got to guide and share the same safe space I got from AKAYA and the Like Her project 3 years ago.

Volunteering taught me that growth is real and feels nice if only you give it chance. I felt proud, accomplished happy and grateful to my AKAYA family after the session and I know that there will be at least a girl who got imparted greatly just like me. It was a great experience and made me fall in love with volunteering and I cannot wait for another volunteering opportunity.

Thank you AKAYA, thank you Aya Initiative and thank you to the Like Her Project!

Article Written by Jessica Akpabla