Mr. Michael Aloko, the Vice Chairman of the Awaradone Youth Association, has expressed that the association’s dream is to equip the youth with employable skills through both formal and informal education. Awaradone is a suburb of the Talensi District in the Upper East Region of Ghana.
Speaking at the second edition of the Awaradone Youth Homecoming at the four-court of the Awaradone Primary and Junior High School, Mr. Aloko announced that the association would undertake community mapping to assess how many youth are employed in both the formal and informal sectors. This information will help inform an action plan aimed at enrolling all youth in trainable vocations to improve their prospects in the job market.
Mr. Aloko noted that many young people often leave the community after the farming season ends. To address this, he emphasized the need for irrigable dams to promote seasonal farming, providing sustainable opportunities for the youth.
He urged elders, parents, queen mothers, and traditional leaders to support the youth’s dreams, as collaboration is essential for success. He clarified that the homecoming was not merely a fundraising event, but an opportunity for the community to come together and discuss development needs.
The homecoming featured various cultural groups showcasing their talents, including traditional dances and music genres such as ‘sinyaga,’ ‘abongo,’ ‘yoongo,’ and ‘kologo,’ which is made with two strings. Women’s groups from different sections of Awaradone, including Ageadone, Apaazanga-done, Nabadone, and Agenedone, participated, playing soccer in the morning and culminating the day with singing, drama, and ‘sampaama.’
Mrs. Celestina Aduko, the chairperson of this year’s Awaradone homecoming, expressed her excitement about the event, noting that it has successfully brought the community together. Despite living in close proximity, she acknowledged that the busy nature of life often prevents residents from seeing each other. She thanked the youth for organizing the event, which fosters community development and encourages future generations to leave a lasting legacy.
Mrs. Aduko highlighted that although communication often occurs via mobile phones, the homecoming festival allows those residing in cities like Kumasi and Accra to return, creating a sense of joy and reconnection. She expressed her desire for greater representation from all community sections in next year’s women’s soccer games and musical performances.
Hon. Edward Azuah Akolgo, the assembly member for the Winkogo electoral area and a native of Awaradone, expressed gratitude for the homecoming event, noting that it has allowed him to reconnect with people he hadn’t seen in years. He emphasized the importance of the homecoming as a platform for the community to unite, share ideas, and prioritize their development needs to enhance peace and cohesion.
Hon. Azuah urged the community to promote Sinyaaga music through radio and online platforms like YouTube and myBolgaonline to showcase the hidden talents within Awaradone. He encouraged residents not to let politics divide them, but to come together to advocate for their community’s interests and development promises made by political parties.
He also urged the youth to embrace peace and consider the community’s future development plans over the next four to five years.
Source: mywordfmonline.com /Gaspard Ayuureneeya Adongo