Greetings from Accra, Ghana
In 2023, IBC published a call for proposals among our member organizations for the comprehensive prevention projects. Blue Cross Ghana Relief responded and completed a full organisational assesment process encompassing an evaluation of the team’s knowledge base and capacities in governance, current activities, resources, and project management. The initial assessment was satisfactory and the network committee approved the continuation of the process with local workshops held by the general secretary. Below is a short summary of the week with the Blue Cross Ghana Team.
We have set the ground for a successful project start!
During this intensive week we worked well together and completed a tightly packed itinerary, despite the hot temperatures. We were able to address open questions concerning project implementation and the board, staff, and volunteers underwent training in quality governance and best practices while managing development co-operation projects. The Blue Cross Team completed a community mapping exercise, identifying the most vulnerable areas in the city and the positive resources available to young people. Additionally, a full stakeholder consultation took place with teachers, police, nurses, religious leaders, youth, mothers, fathers, businesss owners etc. This helps us understand the local problems, their causes, and their effects on communities and individuals. Afterwards, the Blue Cross Ghanateam summarized the findings of the consultation into a problem tree, which informs the projects Theory of Change.
We reviewed the theory and evidence for the effectiveness of supporting the development of life skills for prevention of future harm related to addiction and substance use. The staff team was very encouraged, recognizing: “We have been mistaken in merely providing information. We now realize that the focus on an evidence based approach is crucial for accomplishing the intended behaviour change and skill development in youth.” To put the theory in perspective, we visited one of the prospective partner schools where the project will be implemented.
Additionally, BC Ghana is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and their wonderful support and structures make it possible to reach people throughout the country in the long run. We visited the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church who confirmed their commitment for continued support of the Blue Cross. So far, the Church has focused on strong principles of abstinence. Nonetheless, during our conversation the church showed it understood the need to reach the people with alcohol and other drug problems with love rather than judgement. They are excited that BC offers these opportunities to prevent harm and help those who need support.
We also took the opportunity for some joint networking. The Blue Cross Ghana are already part of Ghana Alcohol policy network. This body works to highlight the necessity for national structures that ultimately protect youth. Additionally, we had the opportunity to visit the minister of education who warmly welcomed the life skills approach to the Ghanaian schools. We will prepare a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize the collaboration and continue the discussion. He had also visited Finland and observed the school system in place there. He has great commitment in furthering the development of schools in Ghana and showed us new buildings designed to enhance learning environments.
Finally, we visited a self help group whose participants were most thankful for the valuable support structure that helps them work towards a new beginning. “I want to thank you for training BC Ghana in the self-help approach, it has given me a new life. I invited my colleagues who are also struggeling with addiction and now we are sober and one of us is working as an electrician again”, one participant states. “Yes, when I was drunk, I had no work. Now people call me and I have work to do!”, shares another. BC Ghana started self help groups in 2020, and currently, they have an active group running that changes many peoples lives!
Thank you to the leadership team and their families for their wonderful preparations and unwavering commitment, which contributed to making this week a great success! Thank you to the amazing, skilled, and committed volunteers for attending every session! And this time, thank you to my beloved sister, who privately joined my trip as a volunteer and helped me so much during this week!
