Students of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) in Somanya, Eastern Region, have benefited from a collaborative outreach that brought together organisations, professionals, and volunteers to equip them with knowledge and guidance to navigate their personal and professional futures.

The outreach, organised by Drive to Inspire – Africa (DTIA), brought together partners including United Bank for Africa (UBA), Wholesome Mind Summit, Golden Coast Developers, Ghana Armed Forces, and professionals in sustainable development to engage students on key areas including career development, mental health, financial literacy, and sustainable development.

The collaboration provided students with an opportunity to gain insights from professionals across different sectors while highlighting the importance of partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities and experiences for young people.

Speaking to the students, Founder of Drive to Inspire – Africa, Nana Adjoa Hackman, encouraged them not to give up in the face of challenges and setbacks. She urged them to recognise and take advantage of the skills and resources at their disposal, stressing the importance of developing themselves in ways that would enable them to contribute meaningfully to the global economy rather than become burdens on society.

Her message reinforced the importance of young people taking ownership of their development and making deliberate use of the opportunities, knowledge and skills available to them.

Beyond the main sessions, students had the opportunity to engage with volunteers of Drive to Inspire – Africa during a breakout session, offering guidance on career paths and helping attendees explore how their interests, skills and aspirations could translate into potential career opportunities.

The outreach demonstrates the impact that can be created when organisations with different areas of expertise come together around a shared commitment to youth development.

By combining industry knowledge, professional experience, mentorship and community engagement, the partnership created a platform for students to access perspectives and guidance beyond the traditional classroom setting.

The collaboration also underscores the role of partnerships between educational institutions, businesses, professionals, and youth-focused organisations in preparing the next generation to navigate an evolving world of work and contribute to the development of Ghana and the global economy.