The Future of Africa Foundation (FOA) celebrated a major milestone on Saturday with its Fresh Start Ceremony and the launch of the Norviwo Natural Hair Studio at its center in Adjiringanor, Accra.

The day brought together families, staff, partners, and community members to celebrate two young people graduating from FOA’s training program and to welcome nine new residents—three girls and six boys—into its youth wellbeing and development program.

The Fresh Start Ceremony was both a moment of reflection and a promise of new possibilities.

For the graduates, it marked their transition from life on the streets to employment and independent living.

For those matriculating, it was the beginning of a journey of healing, growth, and learning with the support of FOA’s residences, education, healthcare, and skills training.

The event also featured the official opening of the Norviwo Natural Hair Studio, a fully equipped training and professional space for hair braiding and barbering.

The studio was made possible through the support of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana under its FutureMakers initiative, which provided funding for training tools, supplies, and program delivery.

The Hair Studio is part of Norviwo Innovations, FOA’s growing hub of microenterprises that give young people hands-on training in skills that lead to employment.

Alongside the studio, the hub includes a fabrication shop producing furniture, with plans to expand into clothing (dressmaking, screen printing, embroidery) and multimedia (podcasting, video, and music production) in the coming year.

These ventures provide both practical training, opportunities for youth to earn income, build confidence, and create sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking at the ceremony, FOA Founder and President, Torwomenye Kwasi Mawuli Azaglo, said: “Today is not just about opening a new space—it’s about seeing a vision come to life. We’re building meaningful pathways for former street youth to gain stability, transform their lives, and contribute to society.

“Over the next decade, we will grow FOA into a globally recognized social enterprise that will train and employ thousands of youth and equip them to transform their communities. Our aim is simple: create employment for youth, generate revenue, and reduce dependence on donors in addressing critical social issues like streetism.”

Tuyee Yeboah, Technical Advisor representing the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, encouraged the youth and reaffirmed the Ministry’s support:

“Graduates, you’ve proven that transformation is possible. To those just starting out, you are not alone on this journey. The Ministry sees you, values your dreams, and commends Future of Africa for the incredible work being done.”

Mansa Nettey, Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana, added:

“Through FutureMakers, we are committed to equipping young people with the tools to thrive. Working with FOA gives us the chance to support youth who might otherwise be left behind and help them build sustainable futures.”

For more than a decade, Future of Africa has been walking alongside children and young people who once lived and worked on the streets.

Since 2015, FOA has reached hundreds of youth and families—offering not just rescue and relief, but a path to independence, employment and leadership. Its mission is clear: to break cycles of poverty and exploitation while creating opportunities for young people to transform their lives and their communities.