Presentation Title: Building Africa by Its Youth: Implementation of the YouthBank Model for Inclusive Decision-Making
Can you tell us about your research field and why you chose this area?
My research field centers around youth empowerment and leadership. I am particularly passionate about exploring avenues to empower the youth within my community and motivate them for future endeavors. My interest in this area was ignited during my tenure as the YouthBank coordinator in Ghana, where I witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities faced by young individuals in my community.
The decision to delve into this field was influenced by a deep-seated commitment to effect positive change and provide support mechanisms that nurture the potential of our youth.
This field resonates with me on both a personal and professional level, as I am driven by the prospect of contributing to the development and empowerment of individuals who hold the key to shaping our collective future. Through research and advocacy, I aim to uncover effective strategies and best practices that can serve as catalysts for positive youth development and leadership enhancement within Africa.
What does the Young African Scholar Symposium mean to you, and why did you decide to apply? What are your expectations for this event?
The Young African Scholars Symposium holds profound significance for me. It represents a platform where I can amplify my voice and contribute meaningfully to the youth empowerment and leadership discourse in Africa. I applied to this event because I want to learn more about research and speak up for the needs and goals of young people in my African community and beyond.
There are many opportunities for taking part in the Symposium. First, it will help make my research more visible and lets my results reach more people. By sharing my thoughts and talking with other researchers, I hope to get new ideas and improve how I deal with important issues that affect youth empowerment and YouthBank model implementation for youth decision-making. I will probably meet people and organizations with similar interests and work together on projects and interventions that will have a significant impact.
What challenges do you face as a young scholar in Africa, both in your specific field and general?
As young scholars in Africa, we face numerous challenges that impede our progress and the dissemination of our findings. First and foremost, funding is a significant barrier. Despite our ability to produce high-quality research papers, a lack of financial resources frequently prevents us from publishing our findings and reaching our intended audience. This financial constraint limits our ability to demonstrate our contributions to the academic community and broader society.
Furthermore, the lack of mentorship exacerbates the issues we face. Unlike our counterparts in other regions, we do not have access to mentors who can guide and support our research endeavours.
Furthermore, the scarcity of symposiums, conferences, and networking opportunities designed specifically for young researchers in Africa limits our ability to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and showcase our work on a larger scale. This scarcity of engagement platforms impedes our professional development and limits our ability to contribute meaningfully to advancing knowledge in our respective fields.
How do you think the Yong African Scholars Symposium can help address some of these challenges? What solutions or opportunities could it provide for young scholar like you?
The Young African Scholars Symposium has enormous potential to alleviate young researchers' challenges across the continent. To begin, the Symposium can act as a catalyst for closing the funding gap by facilitating discussions about innovative funding models and forming alliances with institutions, organizations, and stakeholders committed to assisting young scholars. The Symposium can help young scholars overcome financial barriers and effectively disseminate their research findings by advocating for more funding opportunities and providing guidance on grant application processes.
Furthermore, the Symposium provides an ideal platform for mentoring and knowledge exchange. Bringing together experienced scholars, academics, and industry experts provides young scholars invaluable opportunities to connect with mentors, seek guidance, and cultivate professional relationships that will help them advance their intellectual development and scholarly interests. I want the Symposium to join multiple scholars to tackle one issue and combine the findings for sound decision-making across Africa.
Furthermore, the Symposium provides a vibrant platform for presenting research findings, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and instilling a culture of innovation and excellence in young researchers. Paper presentations, panel discussions, and networking sessions allow participants to increase their visibility, receive feedback, and connect with peers and potential collaborators, thereby expanding their academic networks and increasing the impact of their research. The Symposium can encourage researchers from different African countries to work on emerging issues and solve the problems rather than rely on individual research.
What are your prospects in your research field and as a young African researcher?
My future plans in the research field involve implementing the YouthBank Model to facilitate youth decision-making throughout Africa. My goal is to increase knowledge and promote the adoption of the model in various communities. In addition, my goal is to utilize research to enhance the influence of young people in decision-making processes and to investigate possibilities in agribusiness to empower the youth further. My goal is to contribute to the development and empowerment of African youth by promoting active participation, innovation, and sustainable growth throughout the continent.
Can you give us an overview of your presentation during the Symposium and explain why attendees should come to listen to you? What do you hope to convey or share with them?
At the Symposium, I will present an article titled "Building Africa by Its Youth: Implementation of the YouthBank Model for Inclusive Decision-Making." This presentation will focus on the practical aspects and transformative possibilities of the YouthBank Model in the African context. Participants will acquire a deep understanding of the complexities of the model, the procedures involved in its implementation, and its influence in promoting inclusive decision-making among young people. By utilizing case studies and conducting interviews with project participants in Ghana, I will demonstrate the model's effectiveness in enabling young individuals to actively engage in decision-making processes that influence their communities and future prospects.
Participants are encouraged to attend my presentation to gain insights into a pragmatic and adaptable strategy for empowering young people, which can stimulate constructive transformation throughout Africa. My presentation provides concrete observations and practical methods for involving young people in significant decision-making, promoting social progress, and nurturing sustainable development. My ultimate goal is to motivate participants to support initiatives led by young people and adopt cooperative methods to tackle the intricate problems our continent faces.